As more people rely solely on automated teller machines (ATM) to take care of their banking needs, criminals have moved to take advantage of the opportunity to make easy money.

Although it is possible to steal money from personal banking accounts, most bank officials believe the crime can not be committed easily.

"As of now, we have cameras and plenty of security measures are being taken to prevent such incidents. PNC has never had that type of crime to my knowledge," said Janice Baussey, a financial consultant for PNC bank.

Measures such as safeguarding personal identification numbers and reviewing bank statements can prevent or reduce the risk of having money stolen.

But even with precautions, thieves have found a way to not only steal personal account numbers from an ATM or debit card, but also the secret personal identification number used to access the account.

Using this double dose of information, it is possible to electronically rob unsuspecting victims of the cash in their accounts.

To execute the plot, thieves rig the ATM machines with tiny devices that can read a debit card's magnetic stripe as it is run through the ATM's built-in reader. A special "logic board" or cover is placed over the ATM's keypad and records when users enter their four-digit PIN codes.

The technique often leaves victims unaware of the crime until they check their monthly bank statements or when checks start to bounce due to a lack of funds.

"It's common knowledge not to ever swipe your card twice, especially if the ATM is asking to verify your account for security reasons," Baussey said. "You should be suspicious immediately."

The National White Collar Crime Center (NWCCC), a nationwide network supported by the Justice Department helps law enforcement agencies combat economic and high-tech crimes, gives clients prevention methods that are sure to combat a cyber-crooks' attempts.

"It's common sense to stay away from ATMs that are unattended because they would be targeted the most," said Bill Spaulding, operation support at NWCCC.

Experts say a crime of this magnitude is not common.

"The type of equipment needed for such a crime is very rare and expensive. You need a lot of technical knowledge to commit a crime like this. Not the common criminal can carry this out, they usually commit social engineering crimes, which is basically standing over the person watching them type in their information when making a withdrawal," Spaulding said.

Many residents of State College have come up with their own means of avoiding becoming victims of ATM theft.

"I stand really close to the screen and cover up the keypad. I always look at the people around me," Jen Beer (sophomore-communications disorders) said.

Other ATM users were upset by the idea of ATM scams.

"That's awful. I have to definitely hold on to my receipts after using an ATM and maybe I'll even go inside and use the tellers more often," said Darnell Holmes (senior- speech communications).

Banks are ready and willing to make restitutions if an incident like this occurs. But great efforts are made to prevent these electronic crimes.

"Once PNC is aware of the situation and you file under Regulation E, restitution to the client will occur," Baussey said. "We have plenty of ways to verify that this type of theft was committed. Once it is verified then the client will be restituted."