(Credit: Montgomery Township Police)
Credit card skimmers are illicit devices designed to steal card data from unsuspecting customers
A credit card skimming device was discovered on Friday at a popular international food market in Montgomery Township, prompting an investigation by local authorities into a potential data theft operation.
According to the Montgomery Township Police, the skimmer was found attached to a credit card terminal at the Assi Plaza International Food Store at 1222 Welsh Road. The exact length of time the device was active on the register remains unknown, police said.
Credit card skimmers are illicit devices designed to steal card data from unsuspecting customers. Typically placed over legitimate card readers, these devices can record the information stored on a card's magnetic strip.
In this case, investigators believe the skimmer may have been accompanied by a pinhole camera used to capture customers' PIN numbers, police said. Alternatively, some skimming setups employ a fake keypad overlay to track keystrokes and obtain PINs.
(Credit: Montgomery Township Police)Criminals often install these devices quickly, sometimes distracting store employees to carry out the scheme without detection, authorities said.
Once installed, the skimmers silently collect valuable financial data, which can then be used to create counterfeit cards or access customer bank accounts.
Authorities are urging residents to take precautions when using card readers or ATMs. Customers are advised to inspect machines for any signs of tampering and to cover the keypad while entering their PIN.
Anyone noticing unauthorized activity on their accounts should immediately notify their bank and contact their local police department.
The investigation into the skimming incident is ongoing.
