Dexter police seek public's help; issue "skimmer" device warning

On Thursday, April 18 , a local bank contacted the Dexter Police Department to report someone placing a “skimming” device on an ATM machine. During the investigation, it was determined that the device was placed on and removed from the ATM on April 3. The bank contacted their compromised customers and made them aware of the situation, members of law enforcement report.

Courtesy of the Dexter Police

The “skimmer” or “skimming device” is an electronic device which reads and stores data contained within a credit/debit card, commonly associated in the theft of credit/debit card information.

The Dexter Police Department offers these tips for staying safe from card skimmers:

• Wiggle the partition where you place your credit or debit card prior to conducting any transaction. If the credit card slot area is loose, notify an employee of the business of your findings.
• Check gas pumps before inserting any credit card into a scanner. Consumers can look for a sticker that crosses between a pump and the pump access door that is located near the credit card slot. If that sticker has been cut or if there is tape residue, notify a store attendant and law enforcement should be notified.
• When entering your Personal Identification Number, cover the keypad with your other hand to shield your PIN from any cameras in the vicinity. Change your PIN number occasionally.
• Monitor bank accounts and credit card statements for fraudulent charges. If any appear on your statements, immediately contact your banking institution or credit card company to dispute them. Then notify your local law enforcement agency.

Poplar Bluff and Cape Girardeau have also reports of the “skimmer” device being used.

The Dexter Police Department is asking the public’s help in identifying the person captured on surveillance video at the ATM location. Anyone with any information should contact the Dexter Police Department at 573-624-5512.