By Lila Dominus
Thursday’s monthly 20th precinct Community Council meeting relayed continued caution about auto thefts and warnings of a new scam to be wary of at ATMs throughout the city.
But, first, Deputy Inspector Neil Zuber announced that after serving as commanding officer of the 2-0 since February 2020 – a role typically held for two years – he has begun looking for his replacement. How long it will take to find one is a bit uncertain, but Zuber expressed his commitment to aiding the process and said he hopes to continue working within Manhattan North.
Regarding “grand larceny auto” on the Upper West Side, Zuber said that thefts are still rampant, with Honda CRVs and Acuras, which operate with the same system, being the most targeted. Thefts are occurring during the day as well as at night, due to the indetectable nature of the break-ins. The perpetrators are able to use a computer system that tricks vehicles into recognizing their program as the car’s key fob, so they can be unlocked and driven away without anything seeming out of the ordinary.
Zuber recommended using devices that immobilize your steering wheel and require a manual lock. Manufacturers are aware of the issue as well, Zuber said, and if you reach out to yours directly, they will provide you with a steering wheel immobilization device or update your internal system, if you are eligible.
There have also been incidents of Kia and Hyundai thefts, Zuber said, though these are more traditional break-ins,resulting from tutorials on how to break into these particular models going viral on Tik Tok.
Zuber also cautioned attendees about a scam happening at bank ATMs throughout the city, though he warned that CitiBanks are where the incidents occur most frequently. The police’s understanding of how the scam unfolds is: one person peers over your shoulder, under the guise of waiting behind you or using a neighboring machine, to see your pin number. Once you have withdrawn money, but before you have removed your ATM card, another person will drop a $20 bill, say you dropped it, and try to return it to you, while the other person removes your ATM card and replaces it with a counterfeit. Victims then leave with a fake ATM card thinking it’s theirs, and the perpetrators use the card and pin to make large withdrawals.
Be aware!
Wow, the ATM scam sounds easy to fall for.
I’ve heard about electronic Citibank scams, but this one sounds a little too contrived. No one is standing shoulder-to-shoulder in an ATM area and it only takes a split second to enter the PIN. Not long enough for anyone to follow it. Plus even if there was a crowd, everyone around you would witness the elaborate card swap out (and you need the PIN to use the card). It doesn’t make sense.
Lynn, people like you disbelieving that the scam is possible are who these scammers prey on and what makes the scam even possible.
Best practice is to use something to cover the keypad when you type your pin. I open my wallet and lay it over my hand so I can’t even see my pin when I type it. The 5 has a raised dot on it that the other keys do not have so you can identify it. From there, you can then identify any other key by going up, down, sideways, or diagonally. And no one can see your pin to be able to steal it.
People like me, lol? I’ve witnessed scams my entire life, including the ‘money drop.’ I’m questioning the method. I don’t know what kind of ATM you’re using, but it would be impossible for someone to be standing that close behind me, or within arms reach, without my being aware of it.
Just awful, that ATM scam, I’ll be on high alert; but I’m wondering about the method: At the ATMs I use (at Chase and Capital One), you have to remove your ATM card (there’s a flashing light in that slot) before the cash dispenser opens.
The new branch of Chase at 86th and Columbus has fitted its ATM machines with “hoods” over the keypad, designed, I suppose, to make it harder for scammers to see what numbers a customer is typing. Nevertheless, whenever possible I use a free-standing ATM inside the bank, where bank employees can see anyone hovering over customers.
I have also noticed that this branch does not have a security guard in its ATM lobby. A guard was a fixture for a long time at the old branch across the street, and I assume his presence helped discourage scammers.
Just curious: Why the 2-year rotation of Commanding Officers at the 20th Precinct? Seems to me it would take considerable time for each new C.O. to become thoroughly familiar with an area, its people, its businesses. And just when they have a handle on how best to address its specific issues, they are rotated out. Doesn’t seem like the most effective system: What am I missing here?
It has always been the case. The 20 Precinct is a showcase. For the past 30-40 years, at least, each CO does approximately two years. Some of the former COs have been Louis Anemone, who became NYPD Chief of Department, Jane Perlov, who became the Police Commissioner of Raleigh, NC, Garry McCarthy, former PC of Chicago, and others who rose up high in the NYPD, including Michael Shea, Chris McCormack, James Murtagh, etc.
Thanks for the background, Sam. It’s encouraging that we’re getting people with potential. Still, I’d rather that TPTB allowed these COs a bit more time in the 20th rather than using our precinct as a springboard to bigger and better things.
When you type in your ATM number, which at Citibank is only 4 numerals, crowd the keypad and press the numbers really fast. The worst thing is to step back and press the numbers slowly.
All the Chase ATMs I’ve been to allow contactless access. Hold your card (or phone) in front of the contactless logo and you’re in, no need to physically insert your card