Card Skimming Alert from the Cambridge Police Department

Card Skimming Alert from the Cambridge Police Department

On Tuesday, September 3 around 5:15 p.m., Cambridge Police responded to a retail business on the 700 block of Massachusetts Avenue for a report of a credit card skimming device found on a payment terminal. The timing of when the skimmer was installed and how long it was installed is currently unknown. 

If you have recently conducted business in that area, please be aware that your credit or debit card information may have been compromised. You are advised to closely monitor your credit card and bank statements for any unauthorized transactions and immediately report any suspicious activity to your credit card company or bank.

Card skimming is a method potential criminals use to collect data from a credit or debit card’s magnetic strip when it is used at a pay terminal where a skimmer is installed. Card skimming devices can be difficult to spot, they are typically installed on the outside of the pay terminal and look as if they belong there.

Tips to avoid being skimmed:

• Do a quick scan. Before using any machine, look to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with. For example, if one machine has a flashing slot to insert your card and the other doesn’t, that may be an indication that there is something wrong.
  
  
• Check the keypad. If the numbers are hard to press or feel thick, it might have a false keypad installed and you should avoid using.
  
  
• Block your PIN. When entering your PIN, cover the keypad with your other hand in case a camera is recording your number.
  
  
• Pay inside. If your local gas station hasn't yet updated their pumps to accept mobile wallet or you aren't sure if the machine is safe to use, go inside the service station to pay.

• Stay in public view. Always try to use machines that are in public view with security monitoring – these machines are less likely to be tampered with.
  
  
• Check your account regularly.  Rather than wait for your monthly statement, check your account regularly using online and mobile banking. This way, if anything were to happen, you can catch it immediately and report to your account holder.
  
  
• Trust your instincts. If you suspect foul play, or if you’re in doubt about the authenticity of a machine, use a different machine or payment method.

Anyone with any information related to this incident is strongly encouraged to call Cambridge Police at 617-349-3300. Those who wish to provide information anonymously may dial the Cambridge Police Anonymous Crime Tip Hotline at 617-349-9151 and leave a message. Anonymous tips may also be sent via the Cambridge Police MyPD mobile app or via text message to 847411. Begin your text with TIP650 and then type your message. To send tips via email, visit www.CambridgePolice.org/tips.