$700K Stolen By Card Skimmers In 4 Weeks: Prince George's Police

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Police are warning residents about skimming devices that have stolen about $700,000 this year. Three skimmers have been found at convenience stores in Prince George's County, which allowed criminals to steal funds from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Lt. Joseph Bellino, who oversees the county police department’s Financial Crimes Unit, told WTOP recipients of SNAP benefits have been targeted in the last four weeks. Skimmers that record your PIN and drain your bank account can be dropped into place in seconds over legitimate card readers at stores.

“On the actual machine, they have the same key pads, they have the same style, they’ll work and fit like a glove into the actual point of sale credit card machine," Bellino said. “They can be affixed within seconds. Look for anything that’s loose, crooked, damaged, scratched.”

Residents who receive EBT or SNAP benefits should change their PIN numbers regularly, he said, and if you think your card has been skimmed, cancel it and contact social services. The state is unable to reimburse victims who have those benefits stolen.

The police department's Financial Crimes Unit issued a community-wide warning about skimming devices, which can be placed at point of sale terminals inside retail stores, grocery stores, convenience stores or any location where credit card transactions are conducted.

The devices allow criminals to steal cardholder information from both credit and debit cards. Bellino urged residents to use credit cards rather than debit cards; cards with chips are more secure because fewer skimmers in the U.S. are capable of stealing chip data, police said.

Before using a SNAP card or any type of credit or debit card, follow these safety tips:

• Inspect ATMs or card readers - look for anything loose, crooked, damaged, or scratched. Don't use any card reader if you notice anything unusual.
• Pull at the edges of the keypad before entering your PIN. Then, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN to prevent cameras from recording your entry.
• Use ATMs in a well-lit, indoor location, which are less vulnerable targets.
• Use debit and credit cards with chip technology. In the U.S., there are fewer devices that steal chip data versus magnetic strip data.
• Avoid using your debit card when you have linked accounts. When possible, use a credit card instead.
• Contact your financial institution if the ATM doesn't return your card after you end or cancel a transaction.
• If you are concerned that your card may have been skimmed, change your PIN to prevent financial loss.

In addition to these safety tips, police shared several photos of what to look out for:

If you believe you find a skimming device on an ATM or card reader in the county, call police. You should also notify store personnel, leave the device in place and allow police to remove it.

Prince George's County Police detectives investigating skimming devices can be reached at 301-516-1464. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.

For more information from the Maryland Department of Human Services regarding SNAP fraud, go to: https://dhs.maryland.gov/learn-ebt-fraud/.