Skimmers Found At These 11 Walmart Stores In New York

Consumers often use tactics like using strong passwords, two-factor identification, and not using unsecured wireless networks to keep identity theft at bay. But a recent scam throughout New York might have made you a victim without even knowing it. 

If you’ve shopped at a Walmart recently in New York State, you’d better keep an eye on your bank account.

Skimming devices, or “skimmers,” have been discovered at nearly a dozen different Walmart stores throughout New York state. These devices are a common scam, used to steal a shopper’s credit or debit card information.

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The info the scammers get may not just be used to steal your money. It can also be used to open new accounts for loans or credit cards, file fraudulent taxes, and give police a false identity after an arrest.

State police estimate that skimming costs financial institutions and consumers more than $1 billion every year.

Walmarts Throughout New York State Hit By Major Skimming Scam

New York State Police are currently on the lookout for three suspects in an area-wide skimming scam.

Surveillance video captured between July 2nd and July 5th purportedly show the individuals placing skimming devices on registers throughout the 4th of July weekend.

Currently, eleven stores in New York State (primarily in Central and Upstate New York) have been identified as targets, and more could be revealed in the days and weeks to come.

State Police released a photo of one of the devices found at a Walmart in Oswego County. It looks almost exactly the same as an actual credit card reader used in those stores, and even includes the same brand logo.

What To Do If You Think You’re A Victim Of A Skimming Scam

If you purchased anything in a New York State Walmart store listed above in early July, you should check your credit or bank account as soon as possible for any fraudulent charges and notify your financial institution.

Additionally, you’re advised to contact your county’s sheriff’s department to report the crime.

These Are The Walmart Stores And Registers Where Skimmers Were Found:

• Auburn, Register #2
• Camillus, Register #5
• Canandaigua, Register TBA
• Central Square, Register #1
• Cortlandville, Register #2
• East Syracuse, Register #6
• Geneva, Registered TBA
• Granby, Register #7
• Oswego, Register #1
• Painted Post, Register TBA
• Waterloo, Register #10