Authorities say West Coast credit card skimming ring could include Washington victims

Authorities say they have made arrests in a large West Coast credit card skimming ring that could include victims in Washington state.

The four suspects were arrested last week in Sacramento.

Authorities say the men used tiny cameras to record victims using automatic teller machines.

"They plant a camera that gives them a view of the PIN pad where potential victims would punch in their PIN numbers,” said Sacramento County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Shaun Hampton. “It's a small pinhole camera. Very hard to detect, unless you know what you're looking for."

Sheriff's officials say they found skimming devices inside ATMs in Sacramento and Folsom in California as well as Reno, Nevada.  Investigators say there are likely other victims in Washington state and Arizona dating back to last December.

Investigators say there are ways to keep your information safe if using an ATM: Check for skimming devices by looking for loose or added parts and cover the keypad when you punch in your PIN.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cox Media Group