We've given you tips to protect yourself from skimming devices before, but just to rehash:

1. Always check the ATM for anything that looks unusual, such as a new box for brochures. Officer Ray Weaver said in some cases, the criminals placed an "out-of-order" sign over the real card reader, directing customers to use the skimmer instead.

2. Always cover your hand when entering your PIN. Sometimes the thieves install a camera in or near the ATM to record your keystrokes. They use that information along with the card numbers from the magnetic stripe to drain your account.

3. Check your statements carefully. Be on the lookout for odd purchases and charges, because the sooner you report fraud, the sooner you can get  your money back.

4. Consider asking your bank for an ordinary ATM card, one that is not backed by a credit card brand and thus cannot be stolen and used in stores or online. You could always hang onto the debit card, leaving it in a safe place for emergencies, but just use the plain-vanilla card occasionally.

I know a lot of Consuming Interests readers prefer their debit cards -- they can be convenient, and that way you're not spending money you don't have. But this potential for theft worries me, because when your bank account is compromised, that money is gone, until the bank refunds you. And a landlord/mortgage lender/loan shark might not be sympathetic to your plight as a victim of crime.

Photos courtesy of Annapolis Police.