Police are looking for two men they believe put an electronic card scanning device on an ATM to try and steal bank information. We talked with officers and a bank security expert about the scam, which showed up for the first time in the area this weekend.

The device covers the real card slot but it looks just like the real thing. Your card will still work, but gets run through the scammer's device. Area banks tell us ATM’s like this one are checked frequently for the devices.

The Eau Claire Police Department says it's looking for two men in connection with the scanning device. The department says an identical card reader was found in Iowa and it might be the same suspects.

"In this case we have photographs which are helpful everyone has to eat and sleep and live some where," says Deputy Chief Eric Larsen.

He says the device was found on the ATM at the U.S. Bank on Golf Road near Oakwood Mall. He says the department needs the public's help looking for a dark colored two door BMW with Illinois plates.

"Tips are important we need input from the public for any type of crime but when the suspects leave behind physical evidence it's helpful for us there could be DNA evidence on there fingerprints and the pictures those are all helpful," says Larsen.

Bank security experts say there are steps you can take to protect yourself, and say with an ATM you need to know the machine you’re using.

"If the card doesn't go in right or it's unusually tight or something just doesn't feel right it's worth another look just to make sure," says RCU Vice President of Risk Management.

He says you should also check your accounts frequently and says most banks offer alerts through e-mail or even text messages when your funds are low.

"I think the biggest thing people can do is be aware there are people out there who are trying to get their information," says Beck.

Larsen says right now there is nothing to show credit card information was actually stolen. He says officers have the device and it's being examined.

Eau Claire Police say if you have any information on the suspects to call them at 715-839-4972.
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MORE INFORMATION:

Police have released pictures of the men they believe are responsible for an attempted identity theft at U.S. Bank in Eau Claire.

Eau Claire Police say on Saturday, an electronic card scanning device was found attached to the bank's ATM on Golf Road near Oakwood Mall. Officers are looking for a black or dark colored BMW two-door coupe with Illinois plates.

The two people in the vehicle are described as white men in their 20's or 30's. One man has long hair and was wearing a purple shirt and sunglasses. The other has short hair and was wearing a pullover top with white stripes on the sleeves.

Police say the device found in Eau Claire was identical to the one found in Iowa. Police say a suspect there was also photographed at the ATM and is also described as a white man in his 20's or 30's.

If you have any information on the suspects, call police at 715-829-4972.
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STORY FROM 9/21/10:
We have a consumer watch alert to tell you about as officers are investigating an attempted identity theft case at U.S. Bank in Eau Claire.

Police say on Saturday, an electronic card scanning device was found attached to the bank's ATM on Golf Road near Oakwood Mall. Police say similar incidents were reported in Chicago, and a device found in Iowa was identical to the one found in Eau Claire. Officers say if you see anything suspicious at the ATM, you should report it to the bank or police. This might include loose parts on the machine, parts that appear to be added, or if you have a hard time inserting or getting your card out of the slot.