Cass County consumer warns of Skimmers

Local Walmart customers in Atlanta have taken to Facebook to warn other customers that they had funds stolen from card skimmers.

One customer said funds were taken from all her accounts—not just the account attached to the card that they swiped with a magnetic strip.

Though skimming is not new to our area, with various gas stations falling victim, Corporate offices from Walmart said they are investigating the situation to see how it can be corrected.

“We are going to need to investigate to see if this is a scam, (and) if there is something currently happening at this location.” Walmart customer service stated.

“We will be reviewing the issue, investigating and seeing what actions can be taken so that if this is a current issue, we make sure that this doesn’t happen to any more customers.”

Credit/debit card skimmers have, in the past, been known to be placed at the pump of gas stations in order to steal or copy a cardholder’s magnetic strip/ banking information in order to steal the money and make faux cards with identical information to swipe elsewhere or online Walmart Corporate offices ensured that some corrective actions will be taken.

According to the FBI, “Skimming occurs when devices illegally installed on ATMs, pointof- sale (POS) terminals or fuel pumps capture data or record cardholders’ PINs. Criminals use the data to create fake debit or credit cards and then steal from victims’ accounts. It is estimated that skimming costs financial institutions and consumers more than $1 billion each year.”

The FBI says that fuel pump skimmers are usually attached to the internal wiring of the machine and aren’t visible to the customer. The skimming devices store data to be downloaded or wirelessly transferred later.” Since they can be difficult to see the FBI recommends that you “choose a fuel pump that is closer to the store and in direct view of the attendant. These pumps are less likely to be targeted by skimmers.” Also, “run your debit card as a credit card. If that’s not an option, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN.” Lastly, “consider paying inside with the attendant, not outside at the pump.”

Skimmers also target ATMs and credit card processing terminals at retail stores like the customer dealt with at Walmart. Forbs says that “It’s much more difficult for a thief to install a card skimmer on a point-of-sale (POS) system at a retail store, but it can happen. Make sure the card reader looks as it should. If a restaurant is involved in a scam, there may be no way to know because cards are often handed to the server who can then swipe the card through a skimmer before giving it back to the customer.”

According to the FBI, “ATM skimmer devices usually fit over the original card reader. Some ATM skimmers are inserted in the card reader, placed in the terminal, or situated along exposed cables. Pinhole cameras installed on ATMs record a customer entering their PIN. Pinhole camera placement varies widely. In some cases, keypad overlays are used instead of pinhole cameras to record PINs. Keypad overlays record a customer’s keystrokes. Skimming devices store data to be downloaded or wirelessly transferred later.”

The FBI gave some tips on their website to help you not be a victim: Inspect ATMs, POS terminals, and other card readers before using. Look for anything loose, crooked, damaged, or scratched. Don’t use any card reader if you notice anything unusual.

Pull at the edges of the keypad before entering your PIN. Then, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN to prevent cameras from recording your entry.

Use ATMs in a well-lit, indoor location, which are less vulnerable targets.

Be alert for skimming devices in tourist areas, which are popular targets.

Use debit and credit cards with chip technology. In the U.S., there are fewer devices that steal chip data versus magnetic strip data.

Avoid using your debit card when you have linked accounts. Use a credit card instead.

Contact your financial institution if the ATM doesn’t return your card after you end or cancel a transaction.

If you have fallen victim to a skimmer, many banks including Capital One recommend that you contact your bank immediately. According to Capital One, “The Fair Credit Billing Act limits cardholders’ liability for unauthorized charges to $50. Some issuers, including Capital One, offer $0 fraud liability if a card is lost or stolen. However, “Your credit score can be affected if fraudulent activity isn’t reported and bills go unpaid.”

It is recommended by the BBB to also contact the three main credit agencies and the store where the crime took place.

Lastly, if you have fallen victim contact your local authorities and the FBI at (202) 324-3000, or online at www.fbi.gov or tips.fbi.gov.