Texas City Police Warns of Card Skimmer Increase, Offers Tips
In recent weeks, the Texas City Police Department has observed a surge in reports concerning card skimmers, prompting officials to provide crucial guidance to residents to help prevent falling prey to these fraudulent devices.
A card skimmer is a tool attached to point-of-sale terminals, designed to illicitly capture debit or credit card information without the cardholder’s knowledge.
If individuals suspect they have become victims of a card skimmer, the following steps are advised:
- Immediately contact their financial institution.
- File a report with the local police department.
Discovering a skimmer can be alarming, but it’s vital not to take matters into one’s own hands. Instead:
- Contact local authorities for assistance rather than attempting removal.
- Perform a visual inspection of ATMs or point-of-sale terminals before use, avoiding devices with loose or tampered card readers.
- Safeguard PIN entry by covering the keypad.
- Utilize chip-enabled cards when possible.
- Opt for contactless payment methods where available.
- When purchasing gas, choose pumps closer to the building to minimize the risk of skimmer installation.
- Enable notifications and card locking features provided by banks to prevent unauthorized use.
- Consider using cash for transactions whenever feasible.
By staying vigilant and following these precautions, residents can reduce their vulnerability to card skimming incidents.