Suspect in ATM skimming arrested in Columbus

Claudiu C. Mihai; photo courtesy of Columbus Police Dept.

Columbus police officers made an arrest Wednesday morning of a suspect they believe is tied to a rash of fraudulent ATM withdraws. Lt. Matt Harris, department spokesman, says that shortly before 7 a.m., officers responded to an ATM in the 3500 block of West Jonathan Moore Pike. A witness reported seeing a man at the ATM for several minutes and contacted police dispatch after becoming suspicious.

When officers arrived, the suspect, 23-year-old Claudiu C. Mihai, of Yonkers, NY, allegedly fled on foot. Police gave chase and caught Mihai a short time later. The officers reported recovering over $1,100 in cash from Mihai, along with several gift cards that appeared to have been reprogrammed into debit cards utilizing the victims’ bank account information.

This arrest comes after CPD received numerous complaints about fraudulent withdraws from their bank accounts. Authorities suspect that a card skimming device was used to replicate their cards. Detectives are urging you to check your bank accounts for fraudulent activity. If you suspect fraudulent charges or withdraws, contact your financial institution immediately.

Mihai was arrested on a preliminary charge of Resisting Law Enforcement. He remains behind bars on a 48-hour hold as detectives continue their investigation. Harris says that additional charges are likely.