PHOTOS: Police looking for attempted ATM card skimmer suspect in North Adams

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. (WWLP) – Authorities are searching for a man who allegedly tried to install a card skimming device on an ATM at a local business Thursday afternoon.

According to North Adams Police, officers received a report around 2 p.m. on Thursday about a suspicious individual at an ATM machine. An employee intercepted the suspect as he attempted to install the illegal device used to capture personal banking information.

The suspect is described as a Middle Eastern man, approximately 5’5” tall, with a thin mustache and a heavy accent. He was reportedly wearing light blue jeans, a “puffy” vest, a blue and white polo shirt with a red patch on the bicep, light sneakers, a brimmed Tommy Hilfiger bucket hat, and a watch on his right wrist.

Despite an extensive search by local law enforcement, the suspect was not located and is believed to have fled the area in a vehicle before police arrived.

The North Adams Police Department is now reviewing surveillance footage and has released images of the suspect in hopes of identifying him. Anyone with information is asked to contact the North Adams Police at 413-664-4944, ext. 1.

Authorities are also reminding the public to be extra vigilant when using ATM machines or checkout devices, as there has been an increase in skimming devices found across Berkshire County. Customers are urged to inspect ATMs and point-of-sale terminals for any signs of tampering and to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

Card skimmers are illegal devices that capture card information, allowing criminals to commit identity theft and financial fraud.

No further information about the suspect has been released at this time.

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