FAIRFAX, Va. (CBSDC) — An illegal card skimmer was removed from a hospital’s ATM after police were alerted to a large number of fraudulent charges.

Police say employees, patients and other hospital visitors had their bank information stolen from a ATM machine inside the Fairfax Hospital Cardiac Care Center. Authorities believe the illegal skimmer was installed in a machine near the hospital gift shop in late August.

Financial crimes detectives were first suspicious after receiving complaints that ATM cards were being used fraudulently to purchase groceries, expensive coffees, and primarily, to get cash from other ATM machines.

A patron of the ATM noticed the skimmer on Sept. 12 and notified hospital security.

Detectives with the Fairfax County Police department are currently investigating four cases of credit card fraud stemming from the scheme. However, they believe more victims will surface once they check their financial statements.

Police warn this type of crime is on the rise and urge those who have used the machine since late August to examine their statements closely. If a discrepancy is detected they should contact their bank and call police at (703) 691-2131.

You can learn more about financial crime scams or make an online report here.

No arrests have been made.

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