Madera County Sheriff Issues Community Safety Message: 

February 12, 2025 – Madera County Sheriff’s Office officials report that the Mountain Division has recently taken multiple reports of fraudulent activity from victims’ bank accounts. The investigation revealed most of the victims used the ATM machines at a bank branch in Oakhurst. Deputies responded to the ATM kiosks and found both ATM machines had illegal skimmers attached to them.

We would like to educate the community about the existence of these types of devices, and encourage extra vigilance when using any kind of automated financial machines, such as ATMs or fuel pumps. 

Check machines for:

• Signs of tampering
• Oddities
• Loose or damaged parts around the card reader or cash/receipt dispenser
• Missing emblems or mismatched colors
• Small cameras (as seen in the photo below)

When in doubt, go inside and complete your transaction at the register/counter. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact our office at (559) 675-7770 to file a report.

Source & photos: Madera County Sheriff’s Office