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DOLLAR General customers have been warned to check their bank accounts after devices feared to steal shoppers’ data were discovered.
A skimmer was allegedly planted at a store earlier this week, sparking a police investigation.
The incident unfolded in Attica, Indiana, roughly 80 miles from Indianapolis, where officers were called after a suspicious device was spotted.
Cops confirmed it was found on a card reader at the Dollar General.
Officers believe the skimmer was installed on May 14 and they issued a warning to customers who may be at risk.
Police are urging customers to scan their statements for suspicious charges.
“If you find that you may be a victim from this incident, please contact the Attica Police Department as soon as you become aware of the fraud,” the Attica Police Department wrote in a Facebook post.
Cops have begged shoppers who recognize the people in the surveillance footage to come forward.
An investigation is ongoing.
“All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law,” they added.
FLORIDA POLICE TAKE LEAD
Skimming is a growing threat across the country, with devices popping up on gas pumps, ATMs and checkout counters.
Criminals use them to secretly collect card numbers and personal data.
But in Florida, one police department is fighting back with high-tech tools.
Bradenton Police just got new skimmer-detection gadgets to help officers spot tampered machines.
The tech was provided through a grant from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
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.
“Criminals install skimming devices on ATMs, gas pumps, and point-of-sale systems to steal credit and debit card information,” Bradenton Police said in a post.
To avoid falling victim, cops suggest using mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
These platforms encrypt card data, making it harder for thieves to grab your details.
RISE IN SKIMMING DEVICES
Dollar General isn’t the only retailer being exploited by scammers looking to steal your banking details.
In April, a “nearly invisible” card skimmer was uncovered at a CVS pharmacy in Ohio.
The discovery led officials to sound an urgent alert and share advice on how to recognize the scams.
Even Walmart shoppers have fallen victim to the paper-thin devices, which can remain for days without being noticed.
Officials also advise checking your statements regularly or setting up alerts for any strange activity.
Early detection can help you shut down fraud fast before major damage is done.
But, some Walmart shoppers have spotted tape on card machines.
It has been interpreted as a strategy to stop shoppers from tampering with the card readers.
Skimming machines are not just found in supermarkets or grocery stores.
Experts have warned that they can be found in fuel stations and ATMs.
