A tip regarding a possible identity theft suspect driving in Turlock, along with the use of a license plate reader, led to the arrest of a Stockton man with in possession of multiple account information belonging to other individuals, the Turlock Police Department reported.

On Wednesday, Turlock Police Detective Nathan Urban received information from a different law enforcement agency that a possible suspect and vehicle involved in installing a skimming device at an ATM was in Turlock.

A card skimmer is an illegal device that criminals attach to card readers at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals. Criminals can use the data captured from the magnetic strip to steal the victim’s identity or create fake debit, credit, or Electronic Benefits Transfer cards that can be used to make purchases and steal the victim’s money or benefits. Card skimmers can be hard to detect because they are designed to blend into the terminal.

At 12:57 p.m. on Wednesday, Urban utilized a license plate reader, which helped him track the vehicle to the WestAmerica Bank drive-through on Geer Road.

License plate readers use technology to scan a license plate and take a photo of the back of a vehicle. The readers can be attached to a stationary object, like a pole or can be used in patrol vehicles. It provides real time information on whether or not a plate is stolen or wanted and the location of the vehicle.

A traffic stop on the vehicle was conducted and Marius Onisei, 31, of Stockton, who was the driver and sole individual in the car, was contacted.

A search of the vehicle was conducted and Urban located more than 30 gift cards that were embedded with multiple accounts of stolen information belonging to different people.

Onisei was arrested and transported to the Turlock Police Department for an interview. He was later booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Facility for possession of personal information in excess of ten or more victims and remains in custody in a bail enhancement.

“Thanks to the use of new technology and coordinated efforts of multiple cooperative agencies, we are able to aggressively pursue and investigate identify theft cases such as this,” Urban said.

There are a few tips to help avoid using a terminal with a skimmer attached:

·         Visually and physically inspect ATMs and POS machines before swiping or inserting your card. Does it wiggle or seem loose? If so, do not swipe or insert your card, notify the business and local law enforcement.

·     -    Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN, and never share your PIN with anyone.

·     -    Use a chip-enabled card if you have one.

·     -    Use contactless-enabled cards or phones for safe and easy payments by tapping your card or phone on a contactless-enabled payment terminal.

·     -    Sign up for notifications or alerts for your bank and credit card transactions, and you will receive a notification or alert whenever your card is used.

·     -    Pay with cash whenever possible.

·      -   POS/ATM terminals in tourist areas are popular targets for skimming devices. Be extra cautious in these areas.