'Shoulder Surfing' ATM Crimes On The Rise In LA

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles authorities are warning the public about an emerging trend of so-called shoulder surfing crimes targeting people using ATMs.

Officials say thieves loiter near an ATM and watch a customer enter their PIN number. When the customer leaves, the thieves quickly approach the ATM, re-enter the PIN before the system logs out, and then withdraw cash.

Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer on Thursday announced the filing of two criminal cases involving "shoulder surfing" in the San Fernando Valley.

Authorities say customers should wait at the ATM until the system has logged out, and any fraud should be reported to police, not just the bank.

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