As the holiday season brings increased travel and shopping in San Joaquin County, officials are raising the alarm about the heightened risk of credit and debit card skimming. Andres Lopez, Public Information Officer with the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, emphasized the need for heightened vigilance during this busy period.
FICO reported a significant 77% increase in cards affected by skimmers in the first half of 2023, a trend that has not spared San Joaquin County. Card skimmers, devices illicitly installed on card readers or pin pads, are capable of harvesting personal card information. This information is often used for fraudulent activities or sold online.
Skimmers can be attached to card readers for a duration ranging from a few hours to several days, potentially compromising thousands of users. Gas stations, convenience stores, department stores, and ATMs are common targets for skimmer placement.
Lopez advises the public to be cautious when using their cards for purchases. He suggests inspecting card readers and pin pads for any signs of tampering or unusual appearance. For instance, if a card reader at a gas station looks different or if the security seal on a pump is broken, it might indicate the presence of a skimmer. He also recommends physically checking the device by manipulating or moving it to see if it is loose or improperly attached.
The Better Business Bureau advises covering the keypad while entering a PIN, avoiding machines that give resistance when inserting a card, and opting for contactless payment methods when possible.
Lopez urges immediate action if unusual transactions are noticed on one's account and stresses the importance of reporting any found skimmers to law enforcement.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office aims to ensure citizen safety, especially during the holiday season, and emphasizes the importance of being aware of one's surroundings to avoid falling victim to skimming scams.
Report based on information from the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office and FICO data
