ATM Skimming Device Discovered At Rite-Aid Store On Bridge Avenue In Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant police are urging anyone who may have used the stand-alone ATM machine at the Rite Aid store on Bridge Avenue recently to check their debit card activity over the next few months and change pins on their debit card.

Rite-Aid management discovered a skimming device on the ATM machine on July 24, Capt. Robert Lokerson said

The device collects debit card data and personal identification numbers of people who use ATM machines.

The device in the store is believed to have been placed on the machine around July 17.

Therefore, if anyone has used this ATM from July 17th to July 24th, 2017, it is suggested you closely monitor your debit card activity for the next few months," Lokerson said.

Anyone who discovers any unauthorized activity on their account should contact the police department to file a report, he said.

"Card holders should always remain vigilant when using their debit/credit cards and cover the key pad with one hand, while punching the PIN with the other," he said.

This is an active investigation and anyone with information is requested to contact the Point Pleasant Police Department at 732-892-0060.

Many of the devices criminals use slide right over existing card readers and look like they are part of the machine. A pin-hole camera is sometimes set up where the key pad is monitored to capture the PINs of unsuspecting patrons.

"The devices are typically mounted by criminals within seconds so many illegal devices are not necessarily very secure," Lokerson said. "If the card reader or any part of the housing is loose, this could be a sign of a potential device. If you have any concerns, do not use the machine and immediately advise the bank and/or police."

This is an active investigation and anyone with information is requested to contact the Point Pleasant Police Department at 732-892-0060.

Photo: Courtesy of the Point Pleasant Police Department