BPD Community Alert: Credit Card Skimming Device Awareness

BPD Community Alert: The Boston Police Department is aware of a recent increase of Credit Card Skimming devices being used across the state of Massachusetts. Skimming happens when criminals install devices on an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals to steal card information. This often occurs at places like pharmacies, gas stations, and grocery stores.

Criminals can hide skimming devices inside ATM card readers, making them hard to detect. These devices capture data from the card’s magnetic stripe or chip. Although ATMs are getting more secure, offenders keep changing their methods to stay ahead. Criminals can also hide tiny “pinhole cameras” on ATMs to record PINs, making them hard to spot.

Perpetrators use plastic overlays that look like the top of a POS terminal to steal card data and PINs. These devices can cover the whole terminal or just the keypad and card reader.

The BPD would like to share the following tips to assist you with protecting yourself against credit card skimming:

• Use ATMs located inside financial institutions, near security cameras, or by drive-up windows, as they are less likely to be targeted by criminals.
• Check for signs of tampering at ATMs, like broken lights, raised PIN pads with loose parts, or unusual stickers.
• Always shield your PIN while entering it to prevent a pinhole camera from capturing it.
• Inspect the edges of POS terminals and keypads for signs of tampering. If any part feels loose, avoid using the terminal and inform the merchant.
• Use a credit card instead of a debit card to protect your PIN, to avoid giving criminals access to your checking account.
• Sign up for text or email alerts to monitor your card usage and detect any fraud quickly.
• Opt for cards with contactless payment options or EMV chips to reduce the risk of fraud, especially with cards like EBT that are more vulnerable to criminal targeting.

If you believe that you are a victim:

• Immediately contact your card issuer’s fraud department to report the incident.
• Deactivate the compromised card and request a replacement with a new PIN.
• Closely monitor affected accounts. If you experience financial loss, file a fraud affidavit with your card issuer and notify local law enforcement.
• Report skimming incidents to local law enforcement and/or the Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://www.ic3.gov