Credit card skimming devices found at 5 Market Baskets in Mass. and N.H
Credit card skimming devices found at 5 Market Baskets in Mass. and NH 02:40
SOMERVILLE – Police in five communities are investigating after they say thieves placed skimming devices on credit and debit card readers at Market Basket supermarkets in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
The devices were found in Concord and Nashua, New Hampshire, and Haverhill, Reading and Somerville in Massachusetts. A Walmart in Concord, New Hampshire was also targeted, police said.
“I feel like everything has to be super monitored these days because of scammers,” said shopper Becca Sowards. As a consumer, she’s cautious, especially after hearing that the Somerville Market Basket where she shops was one of the targets when thieves placed so-called skimming devices over readers, potentially stealing sensitive information. “I think it’s an easy way to get money, and these days everyone is looking for easy ways to get money.”
Police said skimmers blocked chip readers and forced customers to swipe their cards. The magnetic strip on the cards contains confidential information. It is then usually sold to third parties or on the black market, said John Thomas, deputy police chief of Concord, New Hampshire. He said the cards would then be duplicated and purchases made.
Concord police have released surveillance images of potential suspects wearing surgical masks and Scally caps. Reading police also released another surveillance photo that showed a suspect distracting a store employee while another went to work. Police said this can be done quickly and easily and it should be a warning sign for consumers to check the machine if the chip is stuck.
Photo of suspect wanted for placing credit card skimmers at Market Baskets in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Concord, NH Police Department
“Check the top of the machine itself, pull on it, and if there is actually a skimming device there, it will actually pop off. They’re not that well secured,” Thomas said. He said it was typically a group that tended to the busy businesses in the area, especially at this time of year when consumers typically spend a lot of money.
Police said they have already heard from several victims whose details were stolen and are urging anyone who shopped at these stores in the last two weeks of October to check their bank statements.
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Beth Germano
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