Boardman Police are investigating the attachment of a skimming device to a credit card reader at a township grocery store. An observant customer noticed a loose cover on the reader, prompting the cashier to identify the skimmer, which was then promptly removed. The store manager, following protocol, shut down the register and contacted the police and credit processing company. The store is reviewing security footage to identify the culprit. Skimming, a significant financial crime, involves the illegal installation of devices on ATMs, point-of-sale terminals, or fuel pumps to steal card data and PINs. These stolen details are used to create fake cards for unauthorized transactions, costing consumers and financial institutions over $1 billion annually. The FBI advises customers to be vigilant, examining card readers for tampering signs, using chip-enabled cards, and monitoring accounts for suspicious activity. Skimming remains a threat, particularly targeting non-chip cards like EBT, exploited immediately after funds are loaded.
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