MTA Investigates Skimmer Found on MetroCard Vending Machine at Columbus Circle Subway Station

The MTA says a skimming device was discovered at a MetroCard vending machine at the Columbus Circle subway station and is urging customers to check their banking and credit card statements to make sure they haven't been targeted by thieves. 

A customer noticed the skimming device attached to a MetroCard vending machine on the north end of the southbound 1 train platform at Columbus Circle at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. 

The customer removed the skimmer and brought it to the station agent on duty. The NYPD is investigating. 

The MTA also says it's dispatched staff to examine all the other MetroCard vending machines across the system.

A skimmer scans credit cards that are inserted into the machine, and typically is set up with a tiny camera positioned above the keyboard to videotape customers typing their PINs. 

The MTA is already investigating a separate skimming device found on a Long Island Rail Road ticket machine at the Baldwin station last week. Romanian national Vasile Ovidiu Haidu is being sought in that case.

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