Skimming Devices Found In 2 Woodbridge Stores, Police Say

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Customers were warned about the dangers of card-skimmers after two illegal devices were found in Woodbridge stores, Prince William County police said.

Skimming devices were found inside the Kabul Halal Market at 1301 Golansky Blvd. and the 7-Eleven at 4804 Dale Blvd. in Woodbridge.

Police said anyone who visited these businesses recently should monitor their finances for suspicious transactions. It was not clear how long the devices had been placed in the stores.

Authorities offer tips for consumers to protect themselves against skimming devices.

• Inspect before you insert. Before using an ATM or gas pump, look closely at the card reader and keypad. If the card slot looks loose, bulky, or mismatched in color or material compared to the rest of the machine, it could be a skimmer.
• Check for hidden cameras. Skimmers are often paired with tiny cameras aimed at capturing your PIN. Look for any unusual attachments, pinholes, or objects positioned near the keypad.
• Do not accept assistance from anyone you don’t know while using an ATM or payment device. Scammers sometimes pose as helpful bystanders to distract you or capture your information.
• Cover your PIN. Always use your hand to shield the keypad while entering your PIN, even if you don’t see anything suspicious.
• Use familiar or well-lit locations. Whenever possible, use ATMs inside banks or high-traffic areas where criminals are less likely to install devices unnoticed.
• Monitor your accounts regularly. Review your bank and credit card statements frequently for unauthorized transactions, even small ones, which can signal a compromised card.
• Use contactless payment methods. Tap-to-pay cards or mobile wallets provide an extra layer of protection, as they don’t transmit your physical card data.