HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— With people across NEPA getting hit by card skimming scams, one area police department is sharing some tips on how to stay safe.
The devices can take your bank information within seconds, and cause you to lose money from your account.
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Card skimmers are quickly placed onto point-of-sale machines. The devices are wireless, and usually enabled with Wi-Fi.
Police say taking a closer look when you're using your card, can save you the trouble of getting skimmed.
"Card skimmers are a device that is normally placed on a point-of-sale, whether it be at a gas pump, checking out at a store, even at ATM locations," said Jessica Surkin, Public Information Officer, Hazleton City Police Department.
Public Information Officer Jessica Surkin, from the Hazleton City Police Department, says the crime happens quickly.
"As soon as you put your card in, the information gets sent to a digital scanner kind of operation and people are able to get that number, your information, and create their own accounts with it," explained Surkin.
Once the scammer has your information, they use it to make their own purchases, often leaving your account empty.
The crimes can be difficult to trace, but there are a few steps you can take to prevent it from happening to you.
"If you're looking at where you're about to swipe your card, tap the card, or insert your card and you notice things aren't lining up. Maybe the numbers are crooked, maybe the sides are a little bit wider than they should be," added Surkin.
You can physically inspect the point-of-sale machine by lightly shaking it with your hand to make sure the cover is secure and there's no movement.
If you think you've fallen victim to skimming: your first call should be to your bank.
And if you happen to come across a skimming device on a point of sale machine?
"Please contact 911 so that we can retrieve that skimming device and see if there's any information we can get off of it," said Surkin.
The Pennsylvania Office of the Inspector General is unable to comment on the existence or status of any investigation or related tips, but did give tips on what victims should do:
Immediately report the theft to local police and OSIG, either online or by calling 1-800-932-0582.
Request a replacement EBT card as soon as possible by contacting DHS’ EBT contractor, Conduent, at 888-328-7366 or visiting a DHS County Assistance Office.
Stay vigilant and follow guidance from the FBI, Department of Human Services (DHS), and USDA to protect their personal information.
