ATM Scammers Hit Castro Valley?

At least six friends or acquaintances of Your Boulevardier in the Castro Valley area have reported in recent days that their bank accounts had been drained by criminals using ATM cards. In all cases, the persons had not actually lost their cards, but instead their card numbers (and PINS) had been hijacked somehow. Your Boulevardier does not wish to point fingers, but all of these persons shop at the Safeway in Castro Valley. Undoubtedly there are other commonalities, too; again, Your Boulevardier does not point fingers -- he simply repeats what he has heard.

You may recall that a number of nearby Albertsons stores in Alameda County were recently identified as sources of ATM and PIN numbers used by identity thieves.

Your Boulevardier strongly recommends that readers check their bank accounts for unauthorized activity. If you use online banking, look for ATM withdrawals that you did not make. Do so now.

If you are a victim of this crime, of course you should contact your bank. Also, it is recommended that you call the Alameda County Sheriff (510-667-7721) and file a police report. (Your bank may require you to do this anyway.)

Painful as it may be, Your Boulevardier would also be interested in knowing if other Castro Valleyans have had their accounts compromised. Please feel free to comment on this thread if you are a victim, or if you have advice for those who are worried about this crime.