TOPEKA, Kansas (WIBW) – Credit card theft through skimming is on the rise and the Topeka Police Department (TPD) is offering tips for identifying potential financial crimes.
Card skimmers look just like card readers and are difficult to detect. The skimmers are often attached to card readers at ATMs, gas pumps and self-checkouts, TPD said on social media.
Skimmers attached to card readers can steal your card information when you swipe or insert your card and enter your PIN.
TPD offers the following tips to keep in mind when using a card reader:
- Check the card readers before inserting your credit or debit card
- Does it look manipulated?
- Is the alignment between the card reader and the cover underneath incorrect?
- Is the card reader loose or off-center?
- Compare your card reader with others nearby.
- Look for a thin plastic circuit board inside the reader. If the circuit board is visible, it is a skimmer.
- If available, use a register with person.
- Use tap-to-pay or contactless payments whenever possible.
The TPD posted photos on social media showing what a card reader with a skimmer looks like.
This photo shows a card reader with a skimmer:
The second photo shows a card reader and the skimmer underneath:
The third and final photo shows a card reader with the back of the skimmer:
TPD recommends that if you see a potential card skimmer or anything suspicious, you notify the store manager and call police at 785-368-9551.
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