Fairfax Police Alert Holiday Shoppers to Credit Card Skimming Threat
Fairfax County Police, in collaboration with the U.S. Secret Service, recently conducted a significant operation aimed at uncovering credit card skimming devices. This effort revealed the presence of 20 skimming devices throughout various locations in Fairfax County, Virginia, emphasizing the ongoing threat to holiday shoppers.
Operation Skim Scam: Protecting Holiday Shoppers
The operation, dubbed Operation Skim Scam, coincided with the holiday shopping season when credit card usage surges. Detectives from the financial crimes unit engage in proactive measures to safeguard the community against potential scams.
Discovery of Skimming Devices
Skimming devices were discovered at:
- Convenience stores
- Discount stores
- Grocery stores
Locations included areas across Fairfax County and the Town of Herndon. The investigation led to the inspection of 287 point-of-sale terminals, 158 ATMs, and 46 gas pumps, highlighting the extensive nature of the operation.
Understanding the Skimming Threat
Credit card skimming involves the unauthorized capture of personal information, including PIN entries. According to the FBI, skimming leads to over $1 billion in losses for both banks and consumers annually. Detectives are currently examining recording devices to identify individuals responsible for installing these skimmers.
Tips for Shoppers
Public Information Officer Ingrid Palencia shared several tips to help shoppers stay vigilant:
- Inspect payment machines for loose or bulky components.
- Look for mismatching colors in the machines, indicating a potential skimmer.
- Cover your PIN entry with your hand when entering your number.
- Use familiar and well-lit ATMs, ideally inside banks.
- Consider using contactless payment options, such as tap-to-pay cards or mobile wallets.
What to Do If You Discover a Skimmer
If you encounter a suspicious device, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Instead, contact the Fairfax County Police at (703) 691-2131 to ensure proper handling and data preservation.
For anyone with further information regarding skimming activities in the area, the department’s financial crimes unit can be reached at 703-246-3533 or through the Fairfax County Crime Solvers website for anonymous tips.
By remaining vigilant and informed, holiday shoppers can better protect themselves from the risks associated with credit card skimming.
