Hundreds of Valley customers banking information compromised

Chase Bank customers who used a La Quinta branch ATM on Sunday may have had their credit and debit card information stolen. Bank officials told law enforcement it was possible more than 500 people’s information may have been compromised.

Anyone who used the ATM at the location on Highway 111 in the Lowe’s parking lot on May 12 should immediately contact Chase bank, and check their banking statement.

Chase employees contacted La Quinta police on Sunday with information that a credit card “skimming” device had been placed on their ATM. By the time officers arrived, the machine had been removed.

But two days later, Chase Bank contacted investigators to tell them the skimming suspect was currently using “access cards” containing the information stolen on Sunday, at the Chase Bank branch in Palm Desert on Country Club and Cook Streets.

Vahe Ruben Yerkanyan, 29, of Sun Valley, CA was arrested Tuesday afternoon by investigators. Detectives from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department say Yerkanyan had numerous access cards and a large amount of money. Yerkanyan has been formally charged with burglary, grand theft and identity theft. He is expected to make his first court appearance on Friday.

Anyone who believes they were a victim of identity theft is encouraged to contact Investigator Willow at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station by calling (760) 863-8990.