Card skimmers found in Boise. Police give advice to spot illegal devices on card readers
Over the past several years, card skimmers have been found on payment devices virtually everywhere in the Gem State. From banks in the Treasure Valley to a Walmart in Idaho Falls, illegal card skimmers can pop up anywhere.
The small devices are installed over card readers to record unsuspecting customers’ credit card numbers and other personal information. This can then be used to steal money from your account or even commit identity theft.
Skimmers are designed to look like legitimate card readers, according to law enforcement. But there are small signs you can spot if you pay close attention. It can be easy to miss these signs while running a routine errand, as your purchase isn’t affected by the device.
Here’s what law enforcement recommends.
How to spot and avoid card skimmers
The FBI warns that card skimmers can appear on fuel pumps, ATMs and other point-of-sale terminals like parking pay stations.
The best way to avoid falling victim to a skimming operation is to check any point-of-sale terminal before inserting your credit or debit card. While external card skimmers are designed to blend into the machines they target, they often have a raised appearance and are made from plastic which is shaped to fit over the genuine metal card reader.
The People’s Community Federal Credit Union recommends pulling on card readers and pin pads before using them, as skimmers will easily detach. There may be other signs, like mismatched colors or designs, small hidden cameras and obscured flashing lights.
According to Boise Police Department spokesperson, Haley Williams, card skimming reports are infrequent, but when it comes to avoiding skimming devices, tap to pay is safer.
“In the most recent cases, thieves placed very small skimmers on check out card readers,” wrote Williams in an email. “That means consumers using the machines would likely never notice the device and would only find out they’ve been victimized by checking their financial statements or being alerted by their financial institution of suspicious charges.”
Williams said the BPD is investigating one report of a card skimmer from December 2024, “inside a business at a register near Ustick and Cole roads.”
The investigation is still ongoing.
Here are some other ways to prevent theft of your card number by skimmers, according to the FBI:
Try to use well-lit gas pumps in view of the gas station store, as these are less often targeted with skimmers.
Use a credit card when possible rather than a debit card, so you can catch fraudulent charges before you pay them.
If possible, use a card with tap-to-pay or chip technology as most skimmers in the U.S. are not equipped to steal their information as easily.
Use extra caution in high-traffic tourist areas, as these are common targets for skimmers.
When possible, use indoor ATMs in buildings equipped with security cameras.
If you find a skimmer, report it to the business immediately and to your local police.
You should also check your bank statements regularly to make sure there are no fraudulent transactions.
