Experts share how to spot, protect yourself from skimmers amid increasing local reports

PITTSBUGRH — Card skimmers have been popping up across our area, including at a gas station in the city’s Brookline neighborhood. Experts shared how to spot them and protect yourself.

Pittsburgh police said a card-skimming device was possibly found at the Exxon and 7-Eleven along Brookline Boulevard.

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The victim told police their transaction was declined but that money not matching the original amount was still taken out of their account. Customers are shocked.

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“That’s never good because you never think it’s going to happen to you or someone near you and it does,” said Colin Doerr.

In the past five months, several skimmers have been reported across our area including in New Kensington and Monroeville.

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The Better Business Bureau said a big red flag is if you’re having trouble swiping or inserting your card.

“Just really pay attention to that grip on your card if you have the ability to use contactless payment since those aren’t vulnerable to skimming. Use that tap-and-go feature on your credit card,” said Caitlin Driscoll with the Better Business Bureau.

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Channel 11 told you about the skimmers found at the Giant Eagles in Greenfield and Mckeesport last month and learned they were installed and removed on the same day. Some customers potentially had their information stolen.

Common places skimmers are found are at ATMs, gas pumps, self-checkout stations and vending machines.

The FBI office in Pittsburgh recommends using ATMs at a bank and in a well-lit and monitored location. They also said use fuel pumps closer to a store and make sure it’s not tampered with.

“Look at the inspection stickers that are commonly found around the gas pumps. If the sticker looks like its broken or its been lifted, notify a station attendant,” said Driscoll. If you’re possibly a victim to a card a skimmer, report it to police and notify your bank right away.

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