ELKHART CO., Ind. (ADAMS) – Indiana State Police are warning Hoosiers to stay vigilant after a cred card skimming devices were found during a recent traffic stop.
ISP says that fraudsters often utilize gas pumps as locations to install card skimming equipment used to steal credit and debit card information from unsuspecting victims.
Indiana State Police released the following:
Credit card fraud continues to be a lucrative business for thieves all over the world. Tactics used by fraudsters to get your credit card information continues to evolve as technology advances.
A recent traffic stop by Trooper Luis Alvarez on the Indiana Toll Road led to the discovery of card skimming devices. On November 7, 2023, Trooper Alvarez stopped a silver 2023 Chrysler for a moving violation in Elkhart County. During the traffic stop it was discovered that the Chrysler was stolen. Items suspected of being used for credit card skimming were located in the vehicle as well as gift cards to load the stolen credit card information onto were also located. Both juvenile occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody. Evidence gathered by troopers suggests that this group has been active in northwest Indiana and locally.
Tactics used by fraudsters continually change but there are some tips you can use to keep yourself safe the next time you fill up.
Pay inside.
Use tap-to-pay function. This keeps your card out of potential card skimming devices.
Use a credit card instead of a debit card. This keeps your funds safe if compromised since a debit card is linked directly to your bank account.
Cover the keypad when entering your zip code or PIN. Fraudsters often use a pinhole camera to capture this information.
Check the reader and keypad for overlays that capture your card information.
Look to see that the security tape is not broken on the pump in the area of the card reader, suggesting skimming equipment may be inside the machine.
Regularly monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and report anything suspicious to your bank and to law enforcement. Fraud is a lucrative business. Each of us can take steps to make it harder for fraudsters to make a living.
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