Beware Card Skimming Theft: Local Police Chief

ROCKPORT, MA – Credit and debit card skimmers – small devices at gas stations and check out counters that can store your financial information – increase in popularity around the holidays, according to a statement from the Rockport Police Department.

Police Chief John Horvath urges people to be vigilant around gas stations and other stores, especially when traveling for the holidays. The devices can be attached to point-of-sale machines, and are designed to look like a normal card reader. Hidden cameras can accompany the devices, allowing thieves to record your PIN.

The transaction goes through as expected, but the device picks up your information.

"Unfortunately, this crime has become increasingly more prevalent, especially around this time of year," said Horvath. "Please be cognizant of your surroundings while filling up your tank or finishing your shopping. If something looks suspicious, immediately call police."

According to PC Mag, you can sometimes identify skimming devices by checking to see if the graphics of the card reader and surrounding plate line up, and if the station next to you looks the same. One expert recommends jiggling the card reader to see if it moves: ATMs and gas station card readers are not built to have any moving parts, so a loose card reader could mean it has a skimmer.

ATM Marketplace found in March 2015 that $2 billion had been lost at ATM skimmers worldwide.

The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation offers these tips for minimizing your risk of skimming:

• Pay with cash or credit/debit inside the service station or retail store.
• If you use plastic at the pump, use your credit card. This likely limits your liability to $50, protects your PIN, and prevents direct access to your bank account.
• Inspect the card reader and gas pump for broken security seals or evidence of tampering. If identified, notify the station attendant and contact local law enforcement.
• Use gas pumps that are closest to the service station attendant.
• Monitor your bank and credit card accounts regularly. If you notice unusual activity contact your bank or card issuer immediately.
• If your financial information has been stolen, file a police report, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and contact a credit report agency to ensure no credit applications have been made in your name.

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