NEGAUNEE, MI— Law enforcement is warning people about possible “skimming” in the U.P.
A citizen recently contacted the Michigan State Police Negaunee Post after their card information was believed to be stolen from a gas station in the Marquette area.
Skimming occurs when criminals place illegal devices on ATMs, point of sale terminals, or fuel pumps to steal card data and Personal Identification Numbers. Scammers use the information to create fake cards, make unauthorized purchases, or steal from victim’s accounts.
Troopers have a few tips to protect yourself from skimmers:
· Do not use a card reader if there are signs of tampering, like anything loose, crooked, damaged, or scratched.
· Choose a fuel pump nearest the cashier. Criminals are less likely to install skimmers near a staff member.
· Select “credit” when paying. This avoids entering your PIN, which could be stolen by a skimmer.
· Monitor your accounts for fraudulent activity. Contact your financial institution immediately if you notice something suspicious.
