Two suspects charged with placing skimmers on ATMs at Kroger stores across Lexington
The Lexington Police Department has arrested two people accused of placing skimmers on ATMs at Kroger stores across Lexington.
Florin-Dan Balin, 45, and Vitus Kraus, 27, have been charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument along with single counts of possession of a forgery device, trafficking in financial information and false making or embossing of a credit card, police said. They were arrested at the Kroger at 704 Euclid Ave. after they were seen trying to manipulate the ATM at the store.
Officers searched Balin and found four gift cards that were re-encoded with other credit card numbers on the magnetic strip, according to court documents. Balin’s vehicle was also searched; officers found 27 re-encoded cards and tools for applying skimmers.
Lexington police said skimmers linked to Balin and Kraus were found at five Kroger stores — the Euclid Avenue location, 4750 Hartland Parkway, 3101 Richmond Road, 4101 Tates Creek Road and 1600 Leestown Road.
The extent of the financial data compromised is unknown, police said. People who may have used ATMs at the stores are encouraged to check their bank records and report suspicious activity to police at 859-258-3600.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers by calling (859) 253-2020 or by visiting their website at www.bluegrasscrimestoppers.com.
Balin and Kraus are being held at the Fayette County Detention Center. Police said they were booked under the names they provided, but that their identities are under investigation. They were scheduled to be arraigned in Fayette District Court on Friday afternoon, according to court records.
Can you spot a card skimmer on a Kentucky gas pump or ATM? Use these tips to avoid theft
