Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) have introduced a bipartisan bill to make the robbery of off-site automated teller machines (ATMs) a federal crime.
As Sen. Gallego's press release explained, the 1934 Federal Bank Robbery Act imposes federal penalties for on-site robberies of banks and other financial institutions. In other words, it's a federal crime to rob a bank's on-site ATM, but not a standalone ATM in a mall, gas station, or other public location.
Unfortunately, thieves have increasingly targeted off-site ATMs since 2019, which can be stolen in as little as three minutes, allowing perpetrators to walk away with up to $250,000.
Common methods range from physically breaking the machine open to more sophisticated techniques, such as skimmers and "jackpotting," wherein malware or a physical "black box" is installed on the ATM to override its security systems and force it to dispense large amounts of cash.
In response, Sens. Gallego and Cruz's Safe Access to Cash Act makes the criminal penalties for robbing off-site ATMs equivalent to those for robbing on-site financial institutions.
"ATMs at gas stations and corner stores provide critical access to cash for Americans, but with increasing robbery rates, many small businesses can't afford the risk of keeping an ATM," said Sen. Gallego in his press release. "No one should have to fear for their safety or their business just to have access to an ATM. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to make much-needed updates to our robbery laws – protecting small businesses and their customers."
Sen. Cruz added, "ATM thefts have surged across Texas and across the country, putting our citizens, workers, bystanders, and first responders in danger." "Federal penalties will deter criminals and shut down organized networks targeting ATMs. This legislation is a commonsense measure that will enhance the ability to hold criminals accountable. I urge my colleagues to pass it expeditiously."
