McKenzie, Tenn.–The McKenzie Police Department is issuing an alert to the public about recently discovered “skimmer” devices that were found inside two gas pumps at a local convenience store. These devices use Bluetooth technology to download information from a customer’s credit/debit card. These types of skimmers began appearing across the country in 2017, but this is the first time they have been found in this area. They are much smaller and therefore much harder to detect, even by employees who service the gas pumps. Using Bluetooth technology, the thief can return to the area and download the stolen credit card data onto a personal computer from 100 yards or more away.
Within the past few weeks, these skimming devices were used to steal data from several local victims (including the City of McKenzie). This stolen data was then used to make unauthorized transactions in another state. If anyone has been a victim of fraudulent credit/debit card transactions where the data was stolen from the card, please contact your local law enforcement agency.
It is strongly recommended for customers to closely examine gas pumps, ATMs and other devices for signs of tampering, before making transactions with their credit cards. Many, but not all, convenience stores place security tape on their gas pumps to deter illegal tampering.
If a customer has Bluetooth capability, a free app is available that will allow the customer to scan the pump or ATM for an illegal card reader (skimmer). This app will detect an illegal card reader from 5-15 feet away. If an illegal card reader is detected, the customer should avoid using their card and immediately contact the police. The instructions to download and use this app is available online.
If you have any questions or information regarding the illegal “skimmers”, please call the McKenzie Police Department at 731-352-2264 or 2265.
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