A clerk in Camden, New Jersey, uncovered a card skimmer on his checkout counter, sparking a police investigation into a growing series of theft devices.
The Discovery
Anderson Fernandez of Fernandez Food Market said, “And I look at my card reader over here and I see it right on there and I just grabbed it and ripped it off,” after spotting the device.
He added, “All I hear from behind me is plastic trim going into place. And when I turn around, I look at my card reader and I immediately see it on there.”
Fernandez ripped the skimmer off seconds after a customer allegedly placed it and called the police as the customer left the shop.
Police Response
Detectives said this is now the fifth incident involving a card skimmer they’ve seen since July. Earlier this week, another was found at a store two blocks from Fernandez’s.
The Rutgers University Police Department is investigating after a credit card skimmer was discovered attached to the checkout counter payment terminal at a 7-Eleven convenience store on Cooper Street in Camden on Dec. 8.
Expert Advice
Lt. Carolyn Dona of Camden County Police said, “Definitely just pay attention to your bank statements,” and warned that a loose machine, a different color, or hard-feeling buttons are red flags.
“Might want to tell the store owner and just double check, like, is this correct, before you scan your card,” Dona added.
Christine Hentisz, director for Camden County’s board of social services, noted that more SNAP recipients are falling victim. She advised, “When you go to the store, unlock it, use the card, and then relock it. So even if your information is stolen, nobody can use that card without your permission.”
Key Takeaways
- Fifth card-skimmer incident in Camden since July.
- Police investigating a 7-Eleven skimmer found Dec. 8.
- Store owners urged to check machines for abnormalities.
The incident highlights a growing problem of card-skimming devices in local businesses, and authorities are working to identify the perpetrators.
