ATM Skimming Scam Busted in Shreveport Over the Weekend

When I pull up to a gas pump or an ATM machine, I find myself looking for some sort of gadget that can steal my credit card number. I've heard it happens, so I watch for it.

Now, we know police have caught up with a man suspected of being involved in just such a crime.

A Shreveport Police officer spotted something happening over the weekend and he took quick action to catch the suspected crook.

Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person at the Caddo Parish Teachers Federal Credit Union in the 5600 block of Hearne Avenue. Once the officers got on the scene, they saw a man dressed all in black wearing a ski mask, and carrying several bags.

What Crime Was Allegedly Being Committed

Officers were able to determine that an ATM at the location had been opened and that its internal electronics appeared to have been tampered with. Further investigation led to the recovery of ATM skimming devices and multiple cell phones, commonly associated with financial fraud operations.

The suspect apparently gave police a fake name, but there were able to positively identify him when they booked him into the jail. He's identified as Juan David Valencia Flores. Flores was already on the run from federal authorities for other crimes. He will now be transferred to federal custody.

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In the Shreveport case, Flores will face state charges including criminal property damage and ATM skimming. Charges by the feds are now pending.

Anyone with information related to financial crimes or suspicious activity is encouraged to report it to the Shreveport Police Department or Crime Stoppers.