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Arrest of Automated Teller Machine (A.T.M.) Skimming Suspects
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Saturday, May 13th, 2023
 Over the past six months, Camarillo saw an increase in identity theft, often targeting the recipients of California Department of Social Services CalFresh and CalWORKS. Both programs help low-income beneficiaries purchase food and provide for basic needs. This is in part due to the fact the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards lack many of the security features of other debit cards. Stolen EBT card information is typically obtained from “skimming” devices, which are installed on ATMs or Point of Sale machines. The stolen debit card information is then “cloned” onto another card with a magnetic strip. In 2022 alone, EBT theft cost taxpayers in the State of California over $60 million dollars in losses. Detectives with the Camarillo Investigations Bureau conducted several investigations over the past few months, where they learned the suspects manufactured ATM faceplates. The suspects also installed “deep insert” skimmers into the ATMs, which allowed them to capture debit card information. Detectives learned both EBT recipients and other members of the public were vulnerable to this fraud. On May 10th, Camarillo deputies observed Florentin Mirica and Nicolae Masu near an ATM, in the city of Camarillo, behaving in a manner consistent with installing ATM skimmers. Camarillo deputies contacted both subjects and obtained consent to search their vehicle. Deputies located manufactured faceplates, with pin-hole cameras, “deep insert” credit card skimmers, and tools used to install the skimmers. Deputies also located credit card information which did not belong to either party. Mirica and Masu were both arrested and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for violations of California Penal Codes § 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy To Commit a Crime, 502.6(a) – Fraudulent Use of a Card Scanning Device, and 664/530.5(a) – Attempted – Identity Theft. Due to the nature of the crimes, a bail increase was requested for both Mirica and Masu, which was granted by the courts. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public to be vigilant while utilizing ATMs or Point of Sale Machines. We recommend covering the PIN pad while inputting PIN numbers and scanning the ATM for any signs of tampering prior to use. We would also like to encourage the public to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Some behaviors indicative of credit card skimmer suspects are using multiple ATMs at the same bank, using multiple cards at one ATM, and manipulating or placing something on an ATM. To report any suspicious activity, call the Ventura County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (805) 654-9511. Nature of Incident: Arrest of Automated Teller Machine (A.T.M.) Skimming Suspects Prepared by: Detective Doree Milazzo |
