Credit card skimmers used to steal financial information were found in 10 Big Y supermarkets across Massachusetts, according to a statement from the company.
The skimmer devices were found on a single card reader at nine locations between Dec. 19 and Dec. 21, Big Y said. The nine locations were St. James Avenue in Springfield, Chicopee Big Y Express, Northampton, Ware, Southbridge, Worcester , Milford, Wilbraham Big Y Express and Ludlow.
A skimmer was placed on a single card reader at the chain's Westfield location on East Silver Street between Dec. 19 and Jan. 12, Big Y's statement Friday said.
“If we learn that a particular customer’s data has been compromised, we will notify them immediately and provide them with additional information so they can take steps to protect themselves,” Big Y said in the statement.
Skimmers are devices that are placed over the slot into which a customer inserts a credit or debit card at an ATM, gas pump, or cash register. The devices extract the card number and data from a card's magnetic stripe, which can be used to steal the victim's identity or make fraudulent purchases.
Big Y has checked all of its card readers and is working with police to investigate the incident, the statement said. Customers should check their bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity and contact their bank or credit card company directly if they find anything.
Big Y customers with questions or concerns can call 1-800-828-2688 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., the company said.
Credit card fraudsters have been found at other local supermarkets in recent months, including at Roche Bros. stores in five Massachusetts cities around Christmas. Chelsea Police warned the public about a skimmer device found at a local supermarket in early December.
Skimmer devices were also discovered last November at Market Basket locations in Concord, NH and Reading, Somerville and Haverhill, as well as at Walmart in Concord, NH
Bailey Allen can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @baileyaallen.