News reports are coming in from several states detailing a debit card identity theft scheme in which thieves steal debit card info and pin numbers, then withdraw money from customers’ accounts.

Reports are popping up in Wisconsin, California, Missouri and other states.

The Napa Valley Register reports that police say it all may have started in Wisconsin:

Authorities in Wisconsin have tied the thefts to machines in Hancock Fabric stores in Stevens Point and Marshfield, Wisc., said Portage Sheriff’s Department Detective Sgt. Gary Koehmstedt, who heads the department’s detective bureau. The cash withdrawals came over several days from the Milwaukee area last weekend from customers who made purchases in August and September, he said.

Koehmstedt estimated the total loss around $40,000, with some of the charges up to $2,000 from individual accounts.

“The banks are really the victims here because the customers aren’t going to be out the money,” he said.

Have you heard about this happening in your state?

Napa ATM thefts may have Wisconsin tie [Napa Valley Register]
(Photo: katbert)
(Thanks, LD!)

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.