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THIEVES have found a way to steal people’s bank information, with a video capturing them right before attaching devices on self-checkout machines in a variety of stores.
The images show two men with face masks, captured on the grocery store’s security cameras.
The suspects are accused of placing card skimmers on self-checkout machines across Washington D.C., reports CBS affiliate WUSA9.
The card skimmers are devices that are installed on self-checkout machines.
The devices look identical to the keypad that’s present on card readers.
They copy people’s PINs and bank information once they’re introduced, with customers not knowing that they were exposed to a threat.
“Customers insert their ATM card into the phony reader, and their account info is swiped and stored on a small attached laptop or cell phone or sent wirelessly to the criminals waiting nearby,” explains the FBI.
The suspects are believed to be responsible for installing card skimmers in five different locations.
These retailers include two Safeways, two Harris Teeter, and one Whole Foods.
They were found starting March 25th.
Some of the devices were found by store employees, but others were found by customers.
“I told him, I said, ‘You got a skimmer,'” said a customer called Perry Miller, who found the device in the Safeway.
While at first, the employee didn’t believe him, the two ultimately pulled off the device from the self-checkout machine together.
“He was shocked!” said Miller.
One of the things that raised some red flags for Miller included the fact that the number pad looked new.
“The keypad was very clearly new and that clued me in immediately,” he said.
Be mindful of the keypad you use
The FBI suggests being mindful of every card reader you use.
They ask customers to check the pad before introducing any information and to keep an eye out for loose, crooked, or damaged parts.
They also suggest shielding your PIN from cameras and other customers to protect your accounts.
Lastly, they recommend using a credit card, since these make it easier to report fraud claims.
Top tips on avoiding scams from a bank
As scams become more sophisticated with the use of artificial intelligence, it is important you know how to spot a scam:
- Be skeptical of online deals that seem too good to be true, especially on social media.
- Scammers will often use tactics to make you panicked so you make quick decisions – be cautious if you are told to take immediate action and verify who has contacted you.
- Chase Bank warns customers to “never return any unexpected funds without calling Chase first.”
- Never send money to someone you have only spoken to online or by phone as this is likely a romance scam.
- Unless you 100% know who you are talking to, never give someone remote access to your device.
- Never accept help from strangers at an ATM and always be vigilant when making withdrawals.
- Do not send money or click any links indicating that you have won a prize.
Source: Chase.com
