The arrow shows where thieves' cameras may be hidden near an ATM. The real-looking but fake booklet is often a sign of a criminal's work.

Additional cameras and plates that are mounted on top of the normal card reader, called "skimmers," have been installed on viable ATMs.

The skimmers scan the customer's card and transmit the number to the thieves who are sitting in a nearby car. The additional camera is often disguised as a leaflet holder and records the customer punching in their Personal Identification Number (PIN).

The thieves then copy the cards and withdraw funds directly from the banks' ATMs.

Mike Hodges, chief assistant prosecutor for Lapeer County, said there have not been any Lapeer County incidents.

He recommends that people protect themselves by being aware of their surroundings when using ATMs, as well as watching their credit reports.

Carol Ugorowski, securities officer at Lapeer County Bank & Trust, said that while this particular scam has been around a while, it's also getting more subtle.

"This has been going on for years," Ugorowski said. "I think it's been less noticeable on the machines because they're getting so much better at it."

She also had some advice for customers who are worried.

"Be aware of your machine," Ugorowski said. "If anything looks out of place or different, you shouldn't be using that machine."

She also said that ATMs are checked daily by the staff at LCBT for anything out of the ordinary.

"For example, we don't have a brochure holder on any of our ATMs. So if one is there, it's obviously not supposed to be."

As another precaution, Ugorowski recommends that people frequently check their bank statements for suspicious activity. She also noted that customers can often access their account information through telephone and online banking systems, so they can monitor their accounts in between statements.