Pennsylvania and New Jersey Warned About Credit Card Skimming Devices

Pennsylvania and New Jersey Residents Cautioned After Credit Card Skimming Devices Discovered

Authorities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are warning the public about a series of credit card skimming devices recently found at various businesses, including grocery stores and gas stations. The police urge customers to monitor their bank statements for any irregularities, as the investigation into these incidents continues.

In Montgomery Township, Pennsylvania, a skimming device was reportedly discovered at the Assi Plaza International Food Store, located at 1222 Welsh Road. The device was found on a payment terminal inside the store, though officials are currently unsure how long it had been in place. Criminals often install these devices quickly, potentially distracting employees while they do so.

Skimming devices function by recording the information on the magnetic strips of debit and credit cards, enabling fraudsters to create duplicate cards. In addition to skimming devices, these criminals may employ pinhole cameras to capture PIN numbers or use keylogging keypad overlays to document keystrokes.

Customers who visited the Assi Plaza recently are encouraged to check their card statements for any suspicious charges. The ongoing investigation aims to determine the extent of the skimming activity at this location and whether any personal information was compromised.

Moreover, the Abington Township Police reported that they are investigating several additional skimming devices detected at local businesses. These include devices at two 7-Eleven stores on Easton Road and a grocery store in Abington. The authorities believe these incidents might be interconnected, and they are concerned that more incidents may remain undetected.

One specific case involved a skimming device that was recovered from an ATM at a 7-Eleven located on South Easton Road, discovered on March 16. Fortunately, the police confirmed that the devices were taken down before the associated criminals returned, and, as of now, it appears that no customer’s information was compromised.

In a separate but related incident, a skimming device was discovered at another 7-Eleven in Mt. Ephraim, New Jersey, on March 19, which has prompted local police to issue similar advisories to the public. Both the Abington Township and Cheltenham Township police departments are actively warning residents about the potential risks of using card readers at various establishments.

As the investigation proceeds, authorities remind residents to remain alert. They recommend inspecting ATMs and card readers for any signs of tampering, such as loose panels, unusual keypads, or anything that seems out of the ordinary. Additionally, it is advised that customers cover their keypads while entering PINs and consider using contactless payment options or cash to minimize their risk.

Anyone who comes across a suspected skimming device is advised to report it to local law enforcement authorities immediately. It is also prudent for customers to regularly review their banking records for any unauthorized transactions as a precautionary measure.

With the rise of technology in transactions, the importance of vigilance against such fraudulent activities remains high. Observing caution can help ensure personal financial security in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.