Skimmer is a word that many people might not be familiar with, but it represents a real threat when we use credit or debit cards to pay. Today, paying with cards at supermarkets, discount shops, or gas stations is something usual for millions of people. However, a recent case in the U.S. has proven that even a common purchase can hide an invisible danger. So, let’s find out what happened in more detail.
Family Dollar
Police in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, discovered credit card skimmers hidden inside card payment machines at two Family Dollar stores. In case you are wondering, these stores are located at 901 1st Ave SW y 1531 32nd St NE.
According to authorities, people who used credit or debit cards at those places between November 27 and December 2 could have been scam victims. There’s no exact information about how many people got their data stolen or what specific data was stolen.
The skimmers were removed, but the investigation keeps going. The police asked clients to carefully check their bank accounts and report any strange charge they see.
What’s a skimmer?
This is a small device used for stealing credit or debit card data. Normally, it’s hidden in machines where you insert your card, like ATMs, gas stations, or store cash drawers.
When you insert your card, the skimmer copies the data from the magnetic stripe on the back of the card. This includes sensitive information that criminals can later use to access bank accounts or make unauthorized purchases.The most dangerous thing about these devices is that they are almost never noticeable. You pay as you normally do and you don’t see anything strange, you will only be aware that you’ve been scammed when you check your bank account or receive a non-authorized charge.
Why are skimmers so well hidden?
Because they are designed to be practically invisible. Some of them are installed inside the machine and others are over the card slot. Also, most of them are the same color and shape as the original card slot, which makes it even more difficult to identify them at first sight.
The Federal Trade Commission has warned that people often do not know their information has been stolen until it is too late. This is why officials are urging shoppers to be more careful when using public card machines.
How to check a machine before using it
Even though skimmers can be difficult to spot, experts explained there are some simple things people can do to prevent the scam:
- Look closely at the card reader: If it looks crooked, bulky, or different from normal, that could be a warning sign.
- Compare machines: If you are at a gas station or store with multiple card readers, check whether one looks different from the others.
- Gently wiggle the card reader: If it feels loose or moves easily, it may have been installed illegally.
- Check the keypad: A keypad that looks thicker than usual could also be a sign of a skimmer.
What authorities are asking you
Police in Cedar Rapids are asking everybody who used credit cards at the affected stores during the previously mentioned dates to check their bank accounts. In case you are one of those and you have seen some charges you can’t associate with your credit card movements, you should contact the police by calling 319-286-5491.
What’s more, authorities said the investigation is still on and that anybody who has information related to this case or others similar to this one should contact Crime Stoppers.
So…
This case is just one of the many examples of how easily criminals can target everyday people during normal activities like grocery shopping. As you can see, being aware of this risk is important, so take a few seconds to inspect a card machine to try to protect your money and personal information.