Pineville, LA (5/7/2024) – The Pineville Police Department (PPD) issued a warning after discovering a point of sale (POS) skimming device installed at a local business’s self-checkout register. While PPD refrained from disclosing the name and location of the affected business, they urged the community to remain vigilant and check their registers for any suspicious devices.
How Skimming Devices Operate:
- ATM Skimmers: These devices typically fit over the original card reader at ATMs. Some skimmers may be inserted into the card reader, placed within the terminal, or hidden along exposed cables.
- Pinhole Cameras: Skimming operations often include pinhole cameras installed on ATMs to record customers entering their PINs. These cameras can vary in placement and may be strategically positioned to capture keystrokes.
- Keypad Overlays: In lieu of pinhole cameras, criminals may use keypad overlays to record customers’ keystrokes as they enter their PINs.
- Data Storage: Skimming devices are designed to store data, which can be downloaded or wirelessly transferred by perpetrators at a later time.
Stay Alert, Report Suspicious Activity:
The Pineville Police Department urges anyone who suspects they have encountered a skimming device or is unsure about the integrity of a self-checkout register to immediately contact them at (318) 442-6603 Ext. 1. Vigilance and prompt reporting are crucial in combating fraudulent activities like skimming.
As investigations into this incident continue, the PPD advises the public to exercise caution when using self-checkout registers and to remain vigilant for any signs of tampering or unauthorized devices.
Protecting oneself against skimming schemes requires heightened awareness and proactive measures. By staying informed and promptly reporting any suspicious activity, individuals can help prevent financial losses and safeguard their personal information.
