Chatham County Police are warning merchants and consumers to be vigilant after two bank card skimmers were discovered in local stores last week.
The skimmers, which can steal financial data from a debit or credit card, were discovered last week at Kroger’s Berwick and Johnny Mercer Boulevard stores. Customers who frequent these stores are urged to review their credit card transactions and notify their bank of any suspicious account activity.
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Legitimate card reader
Card skimmers look very similar to real card readers. Fraudulent card skimmers often appear a little thicker and may not have the protective keypad cover designed to minimize the view of passersby when a customer is keying in numbers during a transaction. Because the differences are so subtle and may not be immediately apparent to customers, merchants are strongly advised to check their card readers regularly to ensure they have not been tampered with.
Customers should also be particularly vigilant
(CCPD)
Fraudulent card reader
and look out for signs that a card reader has been replaced with a fraudulent card skimmer. Everyone should keep in mind that additional fraudulent card skimmers may be located in different locations, not just in those where they have already been detected and removed.
Anyone with information about who may be responsible for the card skimmers is asked to contact police. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Chatham County Police Department app or the department’s online tip form, which can be found here: https://police.chathamcountyga.gov/Tips.
You can also call Crime Stoppers at 912-234-2020. There, tipsters remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
