Don’t Fall Victim to Credit Card Skimmers

Published on May 7, 2018

Huntsville Police would like the public to know what they can do to not fall victim to credit/debit card skimmers.  The devices have created a small increase in criminal case reports for theft recently which have mainly been found at local gas pumps. The criminals that put these in place leave behind a digital fingerprint. Recently having access to the TVRCFL (Tennessee Valley Regional Computer Forensics Lab) on RSA has helped our investigators obtain information regarding these cases.

There are two types of skimmers. The first is an external unit mounted over the existing credit card reader.  As the attached picture shows, this device is slightly larger and if grasped and pulled firmly it may come off, or at least feel as if it’s not been properly installed.  There may also be a small pinhole style camera near the keypad to capture a person entering their PIN number. If you see signs of a skimmer move to a different pump and notify the on duty clerk and police immediately.

The second type is a skimmer that is placed on the inside of the pump.  It cannot be seen from the outside of the pump, but a visual check of the area around the credit card reader could keep a citizen’s credit card information safe.  Look for signs of pry marks or cut/removed stickers that would indicate that the pumps electronics are no longer sealed.   If you see signs of tampering move to a different pump and notify the on duty clerk and police immediately.