Residents of El Cajon and surrounding areas are being alerted to a growing threat of credit card skimming scams that have targeted numerous retail stores in the region.
Authorities have identified at least 26 cases of fraud within the past year, prompting a warning to all shoppers about the dangers posed by these sophisticated criminals.
Detective Ray Yako from the El Cajon Police Department emphasized the seriousness of the situation, highlighting how skimmers are designed to covertly steal credit and debit card information.
These devices are typically placed on top of legitimate point-of-sale terminals at locations like 7-Eleven stores and Walmart outlets, as well as other places with self-checkout options.
Once installed, the skimmer quietly collects data from unsuspecting customers as they make their purchases. This includes sensitive information such as card numbers and PINs, which can then be used for fraudulent activities.
Law enforcement agencies have linked these scams to organized criminal networks, with some cases involving groups like the Romanian mafia.
Despite the complexity of these schemes, the solution is relatively straightforward: using cash instead of cards can help mitigate the risk of falling victim to skimming.
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Detective Yako also shared a simple tip for identifying skimming devices: gently pulling on the face of the terminal. If it comes off easily, it could indicate the presence of a skimmer, as these devices are often attached using weak adhesive for quick installation and removal by criminals.
With vigilance and awareness, residents can protect themselves from falling prey to these insidious scams and safeguard their financial information while shopping in East County and beyond.
