Police, consumer advocates urge awareness of fake card readers

JOLIET – The next time you pay for gas at the pump or visit an ATM, you might want to give the device a wiggle and cover up the keypad.

Authorities and consumer protection advocates are warning about the danger of skimming devices or fake card readers that steal account information. In September, Joliet police found video of several men using such devices at two banks.

“It seems like lately it’s been more commonplace,” Joliet Deputy Police Chief Al Roechner said.

The technology that allows card skimming to be possible has become more advanced, with devices having become smaller and harder to detect as a result, according to the Better Business Bureau, a nonprofit that focuses on consumer protection.

“They’re not as bulky as they used to be,” said Steve Bernas, president and CEO of Better Business Bureau.

The best way consumers can protect themselves is by avoiding using ATMs in poorly-lit or low-trafficked areas, according to the Better Business Bureau.

People should inspect the ATM for any suspiciously placed cameras or unusual signs. When using the machines, they should cover the keypad with their hand to protect their PIN.

Consumers should perform the same kind of inspection at gas pumps that accept credit and debit card payments.

“If you jiggle it, wiggle it and something falls off, obviously something is wrong,” Bernas said.

Roechner agreed, advising that it’s a good idea to physically check card-reading devices by pulling on them, even when they’re at banks.

Another way consumers can protect themselves is to consider using an radio-frequency sleeve to protect their personal data by preventing unauthorized access, the Better Business Bureau stated.

In September, the Joliet police put out a message on Facebook alerting residents that skimming devices had been found at two local banks, one on West Jefferson Street and the other on Mall Loop Drive.

In March, police began investigating skimming devices placed on ATMs at the Delta Sonic Car Wash, 1812 W. Jefferson St.

The suspects put the information gained from the device into new cards to withdraw money from other ATMs throughout the Chicago area, police said. The amount of money people lost was more than $10,000, police said.

Roechner said suspects who use skimming devices roam around towns and come from other states, such as Indiana. If people spot someone trying to plant a device on a machine or messing with a machine, they should take down their plate number, he said.

“It might be the only way we can catch them,” Roechner said.

Bernas said other ways consumers can protect themselves from card skimming is by being vigilant by checking their bank statements on a weekly or semi-weekly basis. They also should consider signing up for text alerts for unusual payments, he said.

Bernas also said skimming is not going to be completely stopped, at least not in the foreseeable future, but people can keep watch for potential hazards.

“You got to be vigilant to prevent this from happening,” he said.