News Summary
Mario Demarco, a Romanian national, has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for his involvement in a large-scale ATM skimming operation affecting over 950 individuals. Following his prison term, he will undergo two years of supervised release and is required to pay restitution to the banks involved. The skimming scheme began in October 2022, with Demarco using devices to illegally capture debit card information. An immigration detainer has been placed on him for deportation after completing his sentence.
Providence: Romanian Man Sentenced for ATM Skimming
A Romanian man, Mario Demarco, also known by the aliases Marius Lupu and David Adamec, has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for his role in an extensive ATM skimming operation. This sentencing took place on a Tuesday in Providence, presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy. Following the prison term, Demarco will be subject to two years of supervised release and has been ordered to pay $16,567 in restitution to 15 different banks affected by his criminal activities.
In addition, an immigration detainer has been filed against him by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), signaling impending deportation after he completes his prison term.
Details of the Criminal Scheme
Demarco was part of a conspiracy that began in October 2022, during which he installed skimming devices on ATMs throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. These skimming devices covertly collected sensitive information from customers’ debit cards, allowing Demarco and his accomplices to gain unauthorized access to banking information of at least 952 individuals.
By placing the skimming devices on a minimum of ten ATMs, he was able to capture customers’ debit card information, which was then used to create fraudulent debit cards. These counterfeit cards facilitated unauthorized cash withdrawals, attempted withdrawals, and purchases, leading to significant financial losses for the affected banks and their customers.
Legal Proceedings and Guilty Plea
Demarco’s criminal activities came to light through law enforcement inquiries, culminating in his arrest and subsequent legal proceedings. In January 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which set the stage for his sentencing. The legal ramifications of his actions not only highlighted the significant scale of the ATM skimming operations but also the vulnerabilities in banking security that allow such schemes to persist.
Background on ATM Skimming
ATM skimming is a form of electronic theft where criminals install devices on ATMs to capture card information and PINs from unsuspecting customers. These operations have surged in recent years due to advancements in technology that make it easier for criminals to create and deploy these devices. As the use of debit cards becomes increasingly common, the potential for such fraud cases continues to grow, leading to ongoing concerns among financial institutions and customers alike.
In response to such crimes, banks and ATM operators have implemented various countermeasures, including enhanced security features, customer education programs, and law enforcement partnerships to combat ATM fraud. Nevertheless, the recent sentencing of Mario Demarco serves as a stark reminder of the persistent risks associated with ATM usage and the importance of ongoing vigilance in protecting personal banking information.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Scammer Sentenced in ATM Skimming Case
- Wikipedia: ATM Skimming
- Turn to 10: ATM Skimming Scam Suspects
- Google Search: ATM Fraud
- Providence Journal: Cryptocurrency Kiosks and Scammers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cybercrime
- Providence Journal: Card Skimmers Targeting Retail Stores
- Google News: ATM Skimming News
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
