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Skimming devices can be placed at point of sale terminals inside of retail stores, grocery stores, convenience stores or any location where credit card transactions are conducted. The devices are used to steal cardholder information, and have had a significant impact on users of SNAP benefits, with around $700,000 in stolen SNAP funds around the county this year, according to Prince George's County police.
Police are urging card users to review these safety tips to protect their funds:
- Inspect ATMs or card readers - look for anything loose, crooked, damaged, or scratched. Don't use any card reader if you notice anything unusual.
- Pull at the edges of the keypad before entering your PIN. Then, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN to prevent cameras from recording your entry.
- Use ATMs in a well-lit, indoor location, which are less vulnerable targets.
- Use debit and credit cards with chip technology. In the U.S., there are fewer devices that steal chip data versus magnetic strip data.
- Avoid using your debit card when you have linked accounts. When possible, use a credit card instead.
- Contact your financial institution if the ATM doesn't return your card after you end or cancel a transaction.
- If you are concerned that your card may have been skimmed, change your PIN to prevent financial loss.
In addition to these safety tips, here are several photos of what to look out for:
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