Man sentenced after 'skimming' bank's ATM

Bogdan Ion Paun, 39, of Hollywood was sentenced to one year in jail and five years felony probation for his role in a "skimming" operation that took place at Bank of America in Newbury Park.

Paun pleaded guilty to two felonies, identity theft and fraudulently acquiring access card information, and a misdemeanor for possessing an electronic skimming device, according to the district attorney's office.

A citizen observed that a skimming device was placed on the bank's ATM on Jan. 16. An "out of order" sign directed customers to use the compromised ATM. The skimmer copied the information from the magnetic strip of the ATM cards used.

The electronic information can be re-encoded onto counterfeit ATM and credit cards.

Police seized the skimmer and questioned Paun. A search of his car revealed an "out of order" sign, a skimmer and glue. Skimmer batteries and a false driver's license were found in Paun's pocket. A hidden video camera that had recorded customers' PINs was also seized.

Paun was also ordered to pay $1,600 in restitution to Bank of America for damages to the ATM.