Dougherty County police issue warning about credit card skimming devices

ALBANY – Swiping a card at the gas pump or inside a store to make a purchase can be convenient, but it can also cause headaches and potential financial loss when scammers get involved. And skimming credit cards is a billion-dollar problem for U.S. financial institutions and consumers.

Currently, the Dougherty County Police Department is investigating a reported credit card skimmer discovered on a card machine at the 5731 Newton Road Dollar General store.

Shoppers who used a debit or credit card at that location are asked to monitor their bank accounts for unusual or unauthorized activity. Those who notice suspicious transactions should immediately contact their financial institution and notify law enforcement, police said.

Scammers can install a skimmer device, which downloads or wirelessly transfers a customer’s card data in a matter of seconds, according to the FBI. Fuel pumps and automated teller machines (ATMs) are favored spot for scammers to place the devices.

Consumers can protect themselves at the fuel pump by paying indoors, running a debit card as a credit card if that’s an option and covering their PIN number while entering it, according to the FBI. Transactions made by tapping a card instead of swiping or inserting it are also more secure.