CVS and Walgreens customers warned after ‘impossible to spot’ info-stealing devices found on card readers

SHOPPERS at major drugstore chains have been warned to check the card reader before swiping as they risk having their bank info stolen in seconds.

Police say sneaky skimming devices have been turning up in unexpected spots, including trusted locations like CVS and Walgreens.

Image of a card reader with a keypad overlay that appears to be a skimming device.
Police have warned shoppers to double check card readers after finding info-stealing devicesCredit: WJCL
Credit card scam warning at a Walgreens.
Skimming devices have turned up in CVS and Walgreens stores in GeorgiaCredit: WJCL
Close-up of a card reader skimming device.
Devices blend so well that most people won’t notice anything suspiciousCredit: WJCL

The alarming trend has hit Savannah, Georgia, where officials are urging people to stay alert.

Savannah Police Detective Eric Rhimes revealed that the skimming devices have been discovered in CVS and Walgreens drugstores. He pointed out that the devices are typically placed near the front entrance of the stores in well-lit and well-maintained areas.

The skimmers aren’t just turning up at ATMs anymore. 

They’re now appearing on checkout terminals at places like gas stations and pharmacies.

Police report confirmed that one device was found at a Murphy Express gas station off Abercorn Street.

“They’re inserting something into the card slot, and they’re interacting with the keypad only for a brief few seconds,” Rhimes said.

The devices are crafted to blend in so well that it is impossible to spot anything suspicious.

Rhimes further explained that the skimming device includes a card reader that is inserted into the ATM’s card slot. This reader is designed to record the card numbers of unsuspecting individuals whenever they use the ATM.

“And then the second part would be a keypad overlay that looks very similar to the ATM keypad, and it’s placed on top of it.”

Crooks can install the tolls in moments and be gone before anyone notices.

Secret Service agent warns shoppers that checkout ‘skimmers’ on the rise with devices stealing $1000s at a time

WARNING SIGNS

He urged people to physically inspect card readers before inserting any debit or credit card.

“You’re not going to be able to lift up the legitimate keypad. It’s installed into that machine. It’s not going anywhere,” he said.

“If that keypad [is] moving at all, it’s very likely a fake one.”

Rhimes said another big warning sign is if the card slot feels odd or if the card doesn’t slide in smoothly.

What is a skimmer device?

A skimmer device is a fraud tool designed to steal sensitive information from credit or debit cards during transactions.

  • Imagine a skimmer device as a sneaky thief that hides on ATMs or card machines.
  • Its job is to secretly steal your credit or debit card information when you use it for a transaction.
  • These devices are like tiny spies that can copy your card details, including the card number and PIN, without you even realizing it.
  • Skimmers can be cleverly disguised to look just like the regular card reader, making them hard to spot.
  • Once they have your information, bad guys can use it to make fake cards or buy things without your permission, causing a lot of trouble and stress.
  • It’s important to always be cautious and check for anything unusual on card machines before using them to protect yourself from these sneaky devices.

“If it feels like you’re having to force your card in, or if it gets stuck in that machine, that’s also a very big red flag,” he said.

To play it safe, Rhimes recommended using contactless payments like tap-to-pay or Apple Pay whenever possible.

“Just like the bank looks at you with skepticism any time you come in, look at any ATM with a little bit of skepticism,” he added.

If you think you used a rigged card reader or notice strange charges, Savannah Police say to call your bank and report it immediately.

Authorities are now teaming up with the United States Secret Service to track down who’s behind the scheme.

So far, they haven’t confirmed how many machines were hit or if anyone’s been arrested.

Close-up of a card reader with an attached skimming device.
People should physically inspect card readers before inserting any debit or credit cardCredit: WJCL
Credit card scam warning at a CVS Pharmacy.
Crooks can install the skimmers in moments and be gone before anyone noticesCredit: WJCL
You May Also Like

Wildfires cause travel disruption in popular vacation spot, leading to flight cancellations and hundreds of stranded passengers as Europe sizzles… and record-breaking temperatures expected in Britain

Wildfires have torn through a Turkish holiday destination – causing chaos for…

“Border Control Issues Warning About Fireworks for July 4 Celebrations”

AMERICANS gearing up to celebrate Independence Day with their own fireworks display…

Outrage over sneaky tactics on donation sites: Did you intend to donate an additional 17%?

Three in four adults are ‘frustrated’ with the ‘tip trap’ set by…

Putin launches a massive attack with 500 missiles and drones in a chaotic night for Ukraine with Nato fighter jets responding quickly

VLADIMIR Putin has unleashed another night of hell over Ukraine with a…

Sign language interpreters at Glastonbury impress with passionate performances and claim they deserve recognition and better pay.

Glastonbury viewers went wild for the sign language interpreters getting their groove…

UK Mother Unable to See Her Son for 2 Years After Ex Allegedly Takes Him to Saudi Arabia – Blames Police for Ignoring Her Warnings

Ranem Elkhalidi is deeply affected as she walks past the school playground,…

Encounter the runaway who resided in a TOYS R US store in secret for HALF A YEAR…and is now being portrayed by a top Hollywood actor

It was the Sunday before Thanksgiving, 2004, and there was a recent…

“Iran Racing to Develop Warheads with Capability to Target London in a Bid to Have the World’s Largest Missile Arsenal”

IRAN’S twisted regime was attempting to produce a terrifying two-tonne warhead which…

Ministers caution that online child sexual abuse poses a growing grooming threat

ONLINE child sexual abuse could be “the next grooming crisis”, experts warn…

Driver angrily hits another car with a bat before narrowly avoiding getting hit by a bumper

THIS is the shocking moment a bloodied driver smashes up a car…

Newlyweds Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez bid farewell to top guests as they leave their Venice hotel following their three-day wedding celebration.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, who recently tied the knot, bid farewell…

2-year-old boy with one kidney struggles for survival after being stung 150 times by wasps when accidentally encountering nest with toy car

A TODDLER missing a kidney is fighting for his life after being…