7-Eleven shoppers warned after info-stealing devices and hidden cameras found at ATM – signs to look for at checkout
A MONEY-stealing device was discovered at an ATM in a 7-Eleven and cops are urging shoppers to check their accounts.
Residents and businesses in Springfield, Massachusetts, 110 miles west of Boston, have been warned to be on the lookout for other skimmer devices.
GettyThe skimmer was found on an ATM[/caption]
GettyThe ATM was located inside of a 7-Eleven in Springfield, Massachusetts[/caption]
The skimming device and a camera were found at a stand-alone ATM in the 7-Eleven on June 18, Western Mass News reported on Thursday.
Springfield police are concerned about personal bank accounts being targeted by thieves using these devices.
Ryan Walsh, a Springfield Police Department spokesperson, directed people to check their accounts for any suspicious activity.
“If anyone has used that ATM at the 7-Eleven on Cooley Street, from June 18 on, make sure to check your bank accounts,” Walsh told Western Mass News.
Skimming devices continue to be a significant problem in the Springfield area, according to police.
Springfield Police advise business owners, especially those with standalone ATMs, to be extra vigilant.
They explained standalone ATMs are not monitored regularly making them at risk.
“These standalone ATMs inside bars, convenience stores, are some of the most at-risk technology that these skimming devices go on,” Walsh said.
“They are not necessarily monitored by the individual who runs the bar, restaurant, convenience store.”
Resident Beverly said she worries about being targeted by these thieves.
“It’s scary when you’re, I am an older person, and you don’t know if they are watching you,” Beverly told Western Mass News.
“Nothing, you don’t know what’s going on, people have devices on them, you just don’t know.”
Skimmers are tricky devices because they are intended to blend in with card readers so customers don’t think twice about it.
PROTECT YOURSELF
The FBI explained how skimmers work so people can avoid running into them.
“The devices planted on ATMs are usually undetectable by users—the makers of this equipment have become very adept at creating them, often from plastic or plaster, so that they blend right into the ATM’s façade,” the FBI said.
“The specific device used is often a realistic-looking card reader placed over the factory-installed card reader.
“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.”
A few things to keep in mind to protect yourself are always inspect the ATM or payment terminal before using it.
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.
Look for any signs of tampering, such as loose or bulky card slots, unusual attachments, or visible adhesive residue.
Using ATMs in well-lit, secure locations is another effective strategy.
Machines inside banks or reputable businesses are generally safer than those in remote or poorly monitored areas.
Opt for ATMs that are directly affiliated with your bank, as these are more likely to be regularly inspected and maintained.
Regularly monitoring your bank statements and transaction history is crucial for early detection of unauthorized activities.
Finally, consider using contactless payment methods or mobile payment apps, which are less susceptible to skimming.
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