Credit Card Skimmers Found at Central New York Walmart Stores
Syracuse, N.Y. – In a startling discovery, four credit card skimmers were found at four different Walmart stores in Central New York, posing a serious risk to customers’ information. Local police have revealed that these devices went unnoticed for four days during the busy July 4th holiday weekend.
The nefarious skimming devices were covertly placed in various checkouts at Walmart stores in Camillus, East Syracuse, Auburn, and Fulton. The placement of these devices allowed the criminals to steal customers’ credit card data without detection.
Law enforcement agencies including the New York State Police, Camillus Police, DeWitt Police, and Auburn Police are working together to investigate the incident. A spokesperson for DeWitt police, Lt. Jerry Pace, disclosed that the device found in East Syracuse was cleverly placed over the card reader at checkout lane 6 while the cashier was distracted. Meanwhile, Auburn police are seeking the public’s help in identifying three individuals suspected of installing the skimming devices at these locations. The suspects are believed to have used a gray or light blue minivan.
Walmart, however, has been tight-lipped about the incident. The retail giant declined to answer any questions about the skimmers or provide information about the number of customers who passed through the affected checkout lanes. Instead, they referred all inquiries to the local police.
Customers who shopped at any of the four locations between July 2 and July 5 are being urged by the police to closely monitor their credit card and bank statements for any signs of fraudulent activity. The stolen data could potentially be used to create fake cards and steal from victims’ accounts.
Credit card skimmers are often installed on ATMs, point-of-sale terminals, or fuel pumps, where they capture sensitive data or record cardholders’ PINs. It is estimated that skimming costs financial institutions and consumers more than $1 billion annually. Typically, criminals target less conspicuous areas, such as ATMs in dimly lit or less crowded locations. The audacity of installing these skimming devices in such public places like Walmart raises concern among authorities.
Law enforcement officials are encouraging anyone with information about the suspects or anyone who suspects they may have fallen victim to fraudulent charges to contact the respective police departments. Additionally, Walmart customers who believe they may have been impacted can contact the Walmart Customer Care Team at 800-925-6278 and reach out to their bank for assistance.
Walmart has released a statement acknowledging the incident and assuring customers that they have measures in place to provide a safe shopping experience. They are continually working to enhance their protocols and collaborate with the police to investigate the matter further.
As authorities continue to investigate this alarming case of credit card skimming at Walmart stores, customers are reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
Contact writer Anne Hayes at ahayes@syracuse.com for any tips, story ideas, questions, or comments related to breaking news, crime, and public safety.
Source: Syracuse.com