BOSTON, MA — The Boston Police Department is warning residents about a recent increase in credit card skimming devices being used across Massachusetts.
Skimming occurs when criminals install illegal devices on Automated Teller Machines or Point of Sale terminals to steal card information.
The devices are often found at pharmacies, gas stations, grocery stores and other high traffic locations.
Skimming devices can be concealed inside or over ATM card readers, capturing information from a card’s magnetic stripe or chip.
Offenders may also install pinhole cameras to record PIN entries.
At Point of Sale terminals, criminals sometimes place plastic overlays over the keypad or card reader to gather data without being detected.
Police recommend using ATMs located inside financial institutions or near visible security cameras, as they are less likely to be targeted.
Residents should inspect ATMs for loose parts, raised PIN pads, broken lights or anything that appears unusual before inserting a card.
Police advise always shielding PINs while entering them to prevent hidden cameras from capturing information.
Customers should check Point of Sale devices for loose or misaligned components and notify staff if something appears out of place.
Police recommend using credit cards instead of debit cards whenever possible to limit access to checking accounts.
Residents should sign up for text or email alerts to monitor card usage and quickly detect unauthorized transactions.
Police suggest using contactless payment options or EMV chip cards, which provide an added layer of security.
Anyone who believes they are a victim should immediately contact their card issuer’s fraud department to report suspicious activity.
Victims should deactivate the compromised card and request a replacement with a new PIN.
Those who experience financial loss should file a fraud affidment with their card issuer and notify local law enforcement.
Skimming incidents can be reported to local police and to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or by texting the word “TIP” to CRIME (27463).
