It appears that the techniques and technologies criminals use to gain an upper hand are getting even more advanced. According to federal prosecutors, a group of thieves who managed to steal over $400,000 from various ATM machines used high-tech 3D printers to produce the skimming devices.
3D printing has been gaining momentum as a viable alternative to traditional manufacturing techniques as it is invariably cheaper, quicker and more efficient. However, it seems like some innovative robbers have thought of alternative uses for this latest technology.
SEE RELATED STORIES FROM THE WDM CONTENT NETWORK:
- Modern day innovators - Top Ten
- The particulars of solar power
- Lean manufacturing: Don't be a techno creep
According to information from a US Secret Service special agent, recordings from gang members revealed how they would purchase a 3D printer to produce skimming devices after their leader was jailed in 2009. The remaining members used the device on JP Morgan Chase ATMs in Texas, stealing over $400,000 in just under two years.
Card skimmers work by stealing data stored on a bank card's magnetic strip at the point of an ATM transaction. A small pinhole camera also records the user typing in their pin number.
The perpetrators have since been caught and will soon be brought to justice.
Our magazine is now available on the iPad. Click here to download it!
