New Skimmer Scam Now Stealing Money From People In Minnesota

There are so many scams to look out for these days that they can be hard to keep up with. Many recent scams deal with criminals sending text messages or emails hoping the victim will click on it and provide personal information that can lead to theft.

However, skimmer scams are still prevalent, and when these occur, criminals can steal thousands of dollars from people very quickly.

A "skimmer scam" is when criminals install a hidden device called a "skimmer" on ATMs, gas pumps, or other card readers to secretly capture credit or debit card information from unsuspecting users when they swipe their cards, allowing the thief to use this stolen data to make unauthorized purchases or withdraw cash.

Skimmers can be difficult to spot because they are designed to look like a normal part of the card reader, allowing it to discreetly capture the magnetic strip data from the card when swiped.

This week, a new skimmer scam is being reported in Minnesota and thousands of dollars have already been stolen from victims, and it could be more widespread than originally reported.

New Skimmer Scam Being Reported In Minnesota

On Monday, reports came in regarding a card skimmer leading to stolen funds for ‘dozens’ of Members Cooperative Credit Union members in the Duluth area.

Credit union spokespeople told Northern News Now, that a card skimmer was used on a point-of-sale device to read card data. However, it was not placed on a Members Cooperative Credit Union ATM. Bank officials say that they check their ATMs daily for skimmers and none had been found.

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Therefore, even though the story originated from Members Cooperative Credit Union warning its members after stolen funds were discovered, it could end up being an issue impacting people who bank elsewhere since the skimmer was believed to be placed at a public ATM or a gas station.

Therefore, everyone in the area is encouraged to monitor their bank accounts for any fraudulent activity and change their banking passwords and PINs.

How To Protect Yourself From A Skimmer Scam:

According to the FBI, taking the following steps can help prevent you from becoming a victim of a skimmer scam:

Check the card reader: Before swiping your card, carefully examine the card reader for any signs of tampering. Look for loose parts, unusual adhesive tape, or any visible tampering.
Cover your PIN: When entering your PIN at an ATM or keypad, always cover the numbers with your hand.
Use chip cards: When possible, use chip cards as they are more secure than magnetic stripe cards.
Be cautious at unfamiliar locations: Avoid using card readers at locations that appear suspicious or poorly maintained.