The Lake Havasu City Police Department would like to make the community aware of credit card skimmers that have recently been found at some local businesses. One of which was located at a store within the 80 block of Acoma Blvd. N., another in the 1800 block of Kiowa Ave, another in the 3200 block of Maricopa Ave. and another in a convenience store within the 1500 block of Palo Verde Blvd. S. These skimmers were located attached to the point-of-sale systems in each of these establishments. Each skimmer was attached to the top of the keypad display where consumers insert, or swipe, their credit card.

Credit Card skimming is the act of attaching an illegal device that copies and stores consumer credit card information to retail devices such as ATM’s, fuel dispensers, and point of sale systems, according to the Weights and Measures Service Division. The copied information can be retrieved wirelessly and almost immediately by the criminal and used to perform fraudulent transactions using the stolen credit card information.

Credit card skimmers can come in different forms. Attached is a picture of one recently discovered, however an internet search will uncover many other types of skimmers.

Here are several tips to help prevent from becoming a victim:

1. If using a debit card, run it as credit to avoid having to enter a PIN number which could allow a criminal to withdraw money from your bank account.
2. Inspect ATMs, POS 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. 
3. Pull at the edges of the keypad before entering your PIN. Then, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN. Then, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN to prevent cameras from recording your entry.
4. Report your concerns and any suspicious activity to store employees or law enforcement. 
5. Sign up for alerts from your credit card company and monitor card activity on a regular basis.
   

Additional consumer tips about how to protect yourself from fraud can be found via the FBI’s website.

If you discover you have been a victim, you are encouraged to contact the Lake Havasu City Police Department.

Photographs were taken of an adult male and an adult female who are suspects believed to be responsible for one of the devices found at one of the mentioned locations. These photographs have been included with this release.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lake Havasu City Police Department. Silent Witness will pay a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) involved. Anonymous information can be called into Havasu Silent Witness at 928-854-TIPS (8477). Citizens can utilize Havasu Silent Witness’ anonymous text messaging service by texting your message to “CRIMES” or 274637.Tips can also be submitted anonymously through a web page based tip service at www.tipsoft.com or via the “TipSubmit” mobile application. Anyone using Android, Windows, or Apple platforms can download the LHCPD app and submit a tip through the app as well.

Attachments: Photograph of credit card skimmer removed from point-of-sale system; Photograph of potential suspects

Public Information Officer: Sergeant Michael Terrinoni