Spotsylvania County, VA – Shoppers making last-minute holiday purchases are being urged to stay alert after the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office warned of an increase in card skimming scams targeting debit and credit card users.
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, criminals may illegally attach small devices known as card skimmers to ATMs, gas pumps, and payment terminals to steal card numbers and PINs when customers swipe their cards. Authorities say the risk often rises during busy shopping periods, when people are less likely to closely inspect payment machines.
A skimmer is designed to look like part of a legitimate card reader but secretly records sensitive financial information. Investigators say these devices are commonly found at gas station pumps, ATMs—especially standalone or poorly lit machines—self-checkout kiosks, and convenience stores.
The sheriff’s office advises residents to watch for warning signs before using any payment terminal. Red flags include loose or misaligned card readers, card slots that feel unusual or don’t sit flush, keypads that are thicker or harder to press, and broken security seals or visible signs of tampering.
To reduce the risk of fraud, officials recommend using chip or tap-to-pay options instead of swiping, covering the keypad while entering a PIN, inspecting card readers before use, and monitoring bank statements frequently for suspicious charges. Any unusual device or suspected skimmer should be reported immediately.
If residents believe a skimmer is present, they are advised not to use the machine, notify the business owner, and contact local law enforcement through the non-emergency number at 540-582-7115.
Authorities are also encouraging residents to share the warning with friends and family, particularly seniors and those doing last-minute holiday shopping, as these groups are often targeted in financial scams.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
