ATM Skimmer Found in Santa Maria, Two Suspects Arrested

On Sunday, October 8, 2023, at about 11:00 AM, a member of the public discovered a card “skimming” device on an exterior bank ATM machine near Broadway and Main Street. This was reported to the Santa Maria Police Department and an investigation was opened with limited information. The initial responding officer disseminated an internal crime bulletin on this case to other department team members.

On Monday, October 9, 2023, at about 1:35 AM, officers were conducting an unrelated investigation near Broadway and Main Streets when subjects acting suspiciously were observed near the same ATM machine where the “skimmer” had been located. The officers recalled the internal bulletin regarding the recent card “skimmer” discovery and contacted the two suspicious subjects in a vehicle as they were leaving the area.

An investigation by patrol officers led to the discovery of several thousands of dollars in cash, more than 100 reloadable gift/debit cards and suspected ATM/burglary tools. The two male adult suspects and sole vehicle occupants were identified as Los Angeles, CA area residents Vicentiu Blanaru (31 years-old) and Adrian Blanaru (29 years-old).

Vicentiu and Adrian Blanaru were believed to be connected to the recently recovered card “skimming” device. Both were subsequently arrested and booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on related felony theft and fraud charges.

The SMPD Detective Bureau’s Property Crimes Unit took over the investigation. The unit is working with other California law enforcement agencies as it is believed these suspects are connected to similar crimes in other jurisdictions. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Servin at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 1367.

Here are some tips to help protect yourself against debit and credit card “skimmer” theft:

Do a quick scan. Before using any ATM or credit card machine, look to make sure it has not been tampered with. If the card reader seems loose, crooked, damaged, or if the graphics are not aligned, or if part of the machine is a different color, do not insert or swipe your card.
Check the keypad. If the numbers are hard to press or feel bulky, it might have a false keypad installed and you should move on to the next machine.
Block your PIN. When entering your PIN, cover the keypad with your other hand in the event a camera is recording your number.
Check your account regularly. Technology is advancing and so are skimming devices. The best thing you can do is monitor your account.

The Santa Maria Police Department encourages community members to remain diligent when using ATM, credit, or debit cards. When feasible, complete transactions inside businesses. If you notice anything suspicious while using an ATM or credit card machine, contact the business and the SMPD non-emergency line immediately at 805-928-3781 ext. 2277.