Illegal Card Skimmer Discovered at Local Store

SWEET HOME, Ore. May 27, 2022 — On Thursday morning, May 26, 2022, a local 7-Eleven convenience store located at 2405 Highway 20 discovered an illegal card skimming device. 

Sweet Home Police Department urges those who may have used a card reader at 7-Eleven in recent weeks to watch their credit card and bank accounts for any unusual activity.  

The skimming device, a plastic shell with a keypad overlay that fits over the actual card reader, can be put in place in seconds. It is designed to look similar to a regular card reader, making it difficult to spot. When inserted, the skimming device reads credit and debit cards and stores the cardholder's name, card number, and expiration date until the skimmer downloads or wirelessly transfers the information.

Sweet Home Police Officer Sean Potter said the device was probably installed in the past couple of weeks. He urges customers who may have used the card reader to watch their bank and credit card statements for unauthorized purchases.

He noted that a string of skimming devices had been located in 7-Elevens along the west coast, and the public should keep an eye out for them. Customers may also notify their banks in advance of potential fraudulent charges.

Officer Potter suggested using credit cards rather than debit cards for purchases to minimize the danger. That way, the victim is not immediately out any money.

Customers who find a fraudulent charge should contact their law enforcement agency.

Anyone with any information regarding this case should contact Officer Potter at (541) 367-5181.

Tips to prevent card skimming:

• Inspect ATMs, point-of-sale terminals, and other card readers before using. 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.
• Be alert for skimming devices in tourist areas, which are popular targets.
• Use debit and credit cards with chip technology. In the U.S., there are fewer devices that steal chip data versus magnetic stripe data.
• Avoid using your debit card when you have linked accounts. Use a credit card instead.
• Contact your financial institution if the ATM doesn't return your card after you end or cancel a transaction.

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For Additional Information Contact:
Sweet Home Police Department
541-367-5181
shpd@sweethomeor.gov