Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier
Sussex County – Delaware State Police are investigating incidents in which a credit card skimming device may have been used at Seaford area gas stations in July 2017.
Detectives with the Troop 4 Financial Crimes Unit have been investigating credit card frauds that have taken place at the end of July 2017 after a customer found fraudulent transactions on their account. Investigators were able to use the fraudulent purchases to track them back to a pair of gas stations on Stein Highway near Seaford that may have had the gas pumps tampered with by someone installing skimming devices.
Through further investigation, which included reviewing video surveillance footage, troopers were able to identify possible suspects in the incidents (pictured) and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying them.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident or knows the identity of the pictured suspects, they are asked to contact Sergeant D. Rementer at 302-752-3814. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.
Troopers are offering tips on how to detect skimming devices:
1. Check for Cameras
Look for cameras anywhere that would have a view of the keypad. These cameras are installed by scammers so they can tape you entering your PIN. Covering the keypad with your other hand while you enter your PIN will help defeat most cameras.
2. Pull on the Card Slot
The actual skimming device is usually placed directly over the actual card slot, but since scammers don’t often have hours to properly install skimmers, the illegal device may come off in your hands with just a few gentle tugs.
3. Wiggle the Keypad
Since placing your hand over the keypad will defeat most PIN-stealing cameras, some suspects are placing their own keypads over the ATM’s as a way of recording users’ PINs. So give that keypad a wiggle and if it feels loose, find another ATM.
If you notice any suspected tampering, immediately notify the store manager.
- Monitor your account on a regular basis so that suspect activity can be identified quickly and reported to the bank. You can quickly and easily review your activity through the bank’s online, mobile or telephone banking which may help you identify suspect activity quickly.
- Online and mobile banking also offer a variety of email and text alerts when a card transaction is processed on your account so that you can have the bank restrict your card if you have transactions you did not authorize.
Released: 081117 1925
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