Las Cruces police want area residents to be on the lookout for credit and debit card skimming devices that appear to be more prevalent in New Mexico.
A card skimming device can be attached to an ATM or the card reader on a fuel dispenser head. It can be used to capture information from the debit or credit card that’s inserted or swiped. Perpetrators use the information illegally collected to make purchases or withdraw money from the customer’s account.
One Las Cruces couple recently fell victim to a skimming device and lost several thousand dollars in unauthorized withdrawals from their checking account. The incident is believed to have occurred in November while paying for gasoline, at the pump, at a local gas station.
The Las Cruces Police Department recommends card users follow these tips:
- Watch for suspicious card readers – the area where a debit or credit card is swiped or inserted – that do not match the rest of the ATM or fuel dispenser.
- Pull or tug on the card reader before using it. If it detaches or feels loose, do not insert your card or use it.
- Look for devices near the card reader that may hold a camera – sometimes just a tiny pinhole camera – as those can be used to record images of both sides of the bank card or the user’s PIN.
- Look for evidence of tampering with the ATM, card reader or on the head of the fuel dispenser. If you notice any tampering – loose or damaged doors – refrain from using it.
- Watch for suspicious activity at or near where the ATM or card reader is located.
- Monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly. If you suspect abnormalities, or evidence of purchases you did not make, report it to your financial institution.
- Sign up for text-alerts through your financial institution so you are immediately made aware of purchases made on your card.
- Immediately report to police any suspicious devices or suspicious activity near an ATM or card reader.
Some skimming devices can be placed inside an ATM, or inside the head of a fuel dispenser. Those internal skimmers are much harder for consumers to detect.
Information from Las Cruces Police