Clinton PD looks into reports of credit card ‘skimmers’ but doesn’t find any evidence of use of the devices

Clinton Police have been checking into social media reports about credit card skimmers on the pumps at a local retailer and their credit cards being compromised.  Skimmers are attachments that record your card information when you swipe or insert your card.

Lieutenant Steve Kopp tells KROS NEWS says the department contacted the retailer and at this time found no such card skimmers attached to the equipment. He added the staff has been monitoring their pumps frequently for any attachments.

Kopps said the social medial reports have resulted in some customers entering the retailer upset their payment card may been compromised and some have caused a disturbance at the business.

Kopp says if you have incorrect charges on your statements you should contact the card holder company, retailer and police.


 

Retailers and customers alike can be aware of possible skimmer activity by following these tips prior to using their payment card:

Check for tampering.  Check for any attachment that appears as an add-on part.

Check for any parts of the machine that don’t match in color or material.

Check for misaligned or partially covered graphics that may be covered by an add on skimmer.

Check that all parts are securely attached.  No parts should be lose, taped on or hanging by a wire.

Be aware if any of the steps you took at the machine in the past have changed.  Has a step been  added?

Always check your monthly statement for phantom charges.  Dispute them with your card holder, contact the retailer and police immediately.

Lieutenant Kopp added If the fraud happened in the city of Clinton, we would like it reported to the CPD.  However, many credit card frauds are committed over the internet and with on line shopping.  He said Clinton PD does not have the resources to conduct investigations where the fraud may be initiated in another state or country.  In cases where the fraud was initiated outside the city of Clinton, we may take a report but the card holders best recourse is notifying their card issuer who can investigate and return the fraudulently obtained funds and issue a new card.

 

 

About Dave Vickers

Dave has been News Director since 1983 and has been Station General Manager since 1999. Dave has also served on the Board of Directors of the Iowa Broadcast News Association and the Iowa Broadcast Association and has served on the Iowa Freedom of Information Council.
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