3 suspects arrested, 1 wanted in Scottsdale ATM card skimmer fraud case
Oct 4, 2024, 7:30 AM
Eduard Ichim is wanted in connection with an ATM card skimmer scheme in Scottsdale. (Photos via Scottsdale Police Department)
(Photos via Scottsdale Police Department)
PHOENIX — Three suspects are in custody and another is wanted in connection with an ATM card skimmer scheme in Scottsdale, authorities announced Thursday.
Robert Mario Olteanu, Fernando Emanuel Cojocaru and Petrican Filon were booked into Maricopa County jail on multiple felony charges, including fraud schemes, according to the Scottsdale Police Department.
Detectives are still trying to locate Eduard Ichim, who allegedly participated in the plot. Anybody with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 480-312-TIPS.
What did police say about ATM card skimmer scheme?
Investigators became aware of the ATM card skimmer scheme when a victim reported unauthorized use of a credit card number in Scottsdale.
RELATED STORIES
On Tuesday, police found multiple card skimmers and cameras on ATM machines throughout the Valley.
Detectives used video surveillance and other evidence to identify Ichim as a suspect.
Olteanu and Cojocaru, acquaintances of Ichim, were then allegedly seen placing card skimmers on ATM machines, police said.
Olteanu and Cojocaru were arrested, and a search warrant was served at what was believed to be Ichim’s residence. Filon, who was also allegedly involved in the ATM card skimmer scheme, was arrested while the warrant was being served. However, Ichim was not located.
What can public do about card skimmers?
Citizens can protect themselves from credit card skimmer fraud by looking for differences in ATM slots, feeling for looseness, comparing the appearance to nearby machines and monitoring their bank accounts, police said.
Skimmers have also been used to steal credit card numbers from gas pumps.
