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A NEW feature has appeared at Walmart’s self-checkout stations, and shoppers fear it’s sending the wrong message.
Customers were shocked after spotting the bright yellow “belt” device latched onto a card reader.
The change follows a surge in credit card skimming incidents in several states.
Last month, skimming devices were found at Walmart locations across Virginia, as reported by the ABC affiliate WSET-TV.
In March, skimming devices were reported at three different Walmart locations in Pennsylvania.
Cops revealed the devices had been placed at the top of the PIN pad.
The devices, often paper-thin, mimic card readers and silently snatch shoppers’ card info and PINs.
To curb thefts, Walmart has now started using a protective “belt” that makes tampering harder or at least more visible.
But not everyone is convinced by this solution.
“My manager called it a chastity belt for the pin pad,” one Reddit user said.
“I think this might be protecting the reader from people attaching skimmers,” added another user.
Others think it’s more of a signal than a shield.
“Well, it doesn’t prevent [tampering], it just makes it evident that it has been tampered with,” a post read.
Walmart hasn’t officially detailed the design, but many believe the belt discourages fraudsters by blocking access to vulnerable parts.
Some have also noticed red tape appearing on the machines, another anti-skimming move.
“What is this red tape on card readers? I saw it today. They put it,” some asked on Reddit.
What is a skimmer device?
A skimmer device is a fraud tool designed to steal sensitive information from credit or debit cards during transactions.
- Imagine a skimmer device as a sneaky thief that hides on ATMs or card machines.
- Its job is to secretly steal your credit or debit card information when you use it for a transaction.
- These devices are like tiny spies that can copy your card details, including the card number and PIN, without you even realizing it.
- Skimmers can be cleverly disguised to look just like the regular card reader, making them hard to spot.
- Once they have your information, bad guys can use it to make fake cards or buy things without your permission, causing a lot of trouble and stress.
- It’s important to always be cautious and check for anything unusual on card machines before using them to protect yourself from these sneaky devices.
The tape, partially covering the screen with a serial number, has sparked debate.
The label acts as a security seal, similar to those seen on gas station pumps.
But some argue the stickers are misplaced and should go directly over the keypad. The issue isn’t new.
In March, Pennsylvania police found skimmers at three separate Walmart locations.
The devices had been installed at the top of PIN pads right under customers’ noses.
A 20-year-old man, Marcus Covaci, was charged after allegedly planting the hardware.
Walmart isn’t the only target. Fuel stations, drugstores, and big-box retailers have all reported similar schemes.
Skimmers and their advanced cousins, “shimmers,” often go undetected until after damage is done.
Authorities say the best defense is vigilance.
“You got to be really alert and pay attention to the card reader that you’re using,” warned Greg Jones of the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office.
Even with added protections, online users are skeptical.
“It’s different. I don’t like people peeking when entering my PIN either one said,” one said.
Others said the belt itself looks suspicious some even mistaking it for a skimming device.
For now, Walmart is banking on tech and subtle safeguards to strike a balance between speed, security, and customer trust.
