7 Credit Card Skimmers Found In Harford County: Sheriff

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Seven card skimming devices have been found in Harford County recently, officials say. All were reported in the past three weeks and remain under investigation.

Skimming devices were discovered at six gas pumps and at one convenience store ATM, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office.

The skimmers have appeared in two ways. In one, the devices were installed within the credit card readers themselves. These are "nearly impossible to detect," the sheriff's office said in a statement. The second way skimmers have stolen information is by using "an overlay or covering over the credit card reader being held on by strong tape or Velcro," officials said.

To avoid becoming a victim, authorities advise remaining vigilant when it comes to money and surroundings.

People should keep tabs on their bank accounts. Notify the bank and police of unfamiliar transactions.

"The sooner the discrepancy is discovered, the easier it is to track down when your information was stolen," officials said.

"Also, if you see something, say something!" the sheriff's office said. "If you witness someone tampering with a gas pump, especially if the door around the card reader is open and the gas station is closed, call 911. It could be criminals in the act!"

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