Update On ATM Fraud Reports

Sonora, CA– The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office continues to be inundated with calls from the public regarding fraudulent use of their ATM cards.

Sgt. Jeff Wilson says that as of noon today there have been 175 reports from Tuolumne County residents mainly in the Sonora area.

“And that is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Wilson. A lot of these haven’t been reported to us because the banks are just reversing the charges and so customers are not out any money. The banks are actually the ones that are really the victims here.”

Wilson says purchases have been mostly from retail stores and gas stations. He says the charges are rarely over $500 but they have received a few reports of $1,000 or more.
The purchases are reportedly scattered throughout the country says Wilson.

“There have also been purchases in Mexico and even as far away as Sri Lanka, but most have been centered around the Miami area.”

Wilson says everyday an average of ten to twenty cases are being reported in Tuolumne County. Sheriff Mele has even enlisted the help of Community Service Unit volunteers to help with the collection of data being forwarded to detectives.

“We are doing everything in our power to determine the source of this fraudulent activity and bring it to an end,” said Wilson. “We ask county residents to be patient as we work through the processes that are necessary for a successful conclusion. It’s just a matter of time.”

Written by tina.falco@mlode.com