There's an alarming new threat emerging at ATM machines in our area and nationwide.

Thieves are using high-tech equipment to not only drain your checking account, but to put your credit at risk as well.

When we slide our bank cards into an ATM machine, we don't think about the valuable information recorded on these cards, we just want our cash.

Unfortunately, so do the bad guys."

Helen Williams watched more than $1,000 drain from her account just hours after she went through this drive-thru bank machine in Bonney Lake.

"When the second $500 dollars disappeared, I was, like, oooooh," Williams said.

Security tape captured the crook, who rigged the machine and several others in the area with a device that records card numbers, even secret PIN numbers.

As scary as that is, it has just gotten even scarier. Now, in addition to these card readers, some high-tech villains are mounting small hidden cameras with a view of the ATM key pad, cameras which are linked to a nearby laptop computer.

"When a person was putting their password into the ATM machine, they were able to capture it," said Det. Steven Blair of the Special Investigations Unit.

Next, blank credit cards are imprinted with the bank customer information that, when combined with PIN numbers, are ready to use. So you not only lose the money in your checking account, now your credit is at risk.

This new type of ATM crime appears to be sweeping the nation.

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"I think initially we saw big cities that were hit the hardest, but now it can be Anywhere, USA," said Larry Johnson of the US Secret Service.

And providing yet a new challenge for those trying to protect our money, like the Secret Service.

"We try to stay one step ahead of technology."

Experts say a little common sense can help prevent these crimes.

For example, always shield your PIN number as you enter it. Watch for unusual looking card-swiping devices. And finally, check your bank statements regularly to make sure you are the only one using your account.