TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Takoma Park Police have issued a warning to residents after a credit card skimmer was found in the area. Police remind residents to stay alert and what to look out for amid a busy holiday season.
"Skimming" is an electronic method of capturing a victim's personal information using credit card scanners.
What is a skimmer?
It’s an overlay that fits over credit card reader slots at an ATM or gas pump.
How does it work?
When a credit card is swiped through a skimmer, the device captures and stores all the details found in the card’s magnetic strip. Thieves use stolen data to make fraudulent charges online or they create a counterfeit card.
While this fraud is more commonly reported to occur at ATM’s and gas pumps, it can also occasionally occur at restaurants. Employees will use handheld devices to skim your card during a normal transaction.
How to prevent and detect credit card skimming?
- Monitor your account at least once a week and report any suspicious activity.
- Watch where you shop.
- Check ATM’s before using them.
Report all suspicious activity to your bank. Call the police to file a report.