A credit card skimmer was found at a Wal-Mart self-checkout kiosk in Yucca Valley on Sunday, February 5th. Sheriff’s report that the device was placed over the PIN pad at one of the shelf-checkouts at approximately 7:30PM and was discovered the following morning at 8:00 AM. Video surveillance shows a suspect with a facemask placing the device on the credit card reader, and Wal-Mart staff and San Bernardino County law enforcement are reviewing footage to identify the suspect.
Credit card skimmers are a series of small, conspicuously placed devices that can collect your credit card number and PIN while you use a self-serve payment kiosk. The devices are meant to work without you knowing it – so you can complete the transaction and leave the store, then the device is collected and the scammers can then use your card for fraudulent activities.
Credit card skimmers are nothing new – however the technology is getting more sophisticated with some even wirelessly transmitting card numbers as they are stolen.
Only one skimmer was found and collected, its unknown if there were any victims in this particular case.
If you are using a self-checkout or an ATM and something feels a bit strange about the machine – stop using it and contact an employee, and its always good to contact your bank and make sure no fraudulent charges were recorded.
