News

Self-checkout scams on the rise

Although previously limited to ATMs, law enforcement have begun to discover skimming devices at grocery self-checkout kiosks.

February 8, 2016

Scammers have begun to install skimmers at self-checkout kiosks in groceries. A skimmer is a device hidden inside the slot for swiping credit or debit cards to steal information, according to a report by Daily Mail.

Some skimmers also include mini cameras or fake key pads to steal crucial credit card information. Recently, these devices were found at the retailer Safeway, and a variety of other stores in Maryland and Colorado.

In order to prevent this type of theft, experts recommend that shoppers tug on the payment terminal to see if there is an overlay on top of it or if it moves. In addition, customers can use chip-enabled cards or mobile payments, which provide more security than average credit or debit cards.