Philadelphia Police Warn of ATM Scams

The Philadelphia Police Department issued a warning on Wednesday regarding a series of ATM scams occurring throughout the city. They are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying two men believed to be involved in these criminal activities.

Details of the Scams

Captain Robert McKeever, Commanding Officer of the Major Crimes Unit, held a press conference to inform the public about the scams and solicit help in identifying the suspects. One scam involves devices attached to ATMs used for accessing welfare benefits, allowing thieves to steal PINs.

Cash Trapping Method

The second scam utilizes a “trap door” device installed inside the ATM. This device prevents the ATM’s cash dispenser from fully opening, creating the illusion that the machine is out of service or broken. Offenders then return to retrieve the dispensed, but uncollected, money.

Timeline and Locations

Since March 15, 2026, police have identified nine different bank branches where these trap door devices were attached to ATMs. The majority of these incidents are occurring on Saturdays and Sundays, when branches are closed.

Weekend Surge

During the weekend of March 28, 2026, police responded to five bank locations after discovering the devices attached to ATMs. Captain McKeever explained that the timing allows the suspects to operate undisturbed and delays victims from reporting the issue until Monday.

Suspect Information

Police have released surveillance images of two masked men they believe are responsible for the scams. Investigators believe the suspects may be traveling in a dark-colored SUV, potentially with New Jersey registration.

Preventative Measures

Captain McKeever advised individuals to gently test the ATM’s card slot to ensure it is secure and not obstructed. “If you see something, if it doesn’t look right on the debit machine or something, you can pull on it a little bit to see if it moves,” he stated. He also emphasized the importance of being aware of account balances.

“We just want to make sure the public’s aware of how much money they have in their account,” McKeever added.