Staff Reports
Kroger shoppers, particularly those fond of the self-checkout, might want to take a more careful look at where they’re swiping their cards. The police in Elkins, West Virginia, have issued a warning about a devious little gadget discovered at the local Kroger’s self-checkout. This sinister device, known as a skimmer, is designed to swipe your credit card information without your knowledge—perfect for the modern crook.
The skimmer lays in wait, seamlessly blending into the self-checkout station’s card reader like a chameleon. Innocent shoppers, thinking they’re just paying for their groceries, unwittingly sacrifice their card details to some shady tech wizard. The police are already piecing together the puzzle, armed with security footage that gives a good look at one of the suspects involved in this scam.
Popular Grocery Store Triggers Police Warning After Self-Checkout Scams Customers via @WestJournalism https://t.co/kxBWNtRnIT
— Vicki (@gojeffie24) June 27, 2024
To add a little context, the FBI has been sounding the alarm on these sneaky devices for years. These skimmers are typically so well-crafted they look like they were part of the original machine, making them undetectable to an unsuspecting public. They usually come paired with a hidden camera that captures the customers entering their PINs—or, even more duplicitously, a fake keypad that records every keystroke. Criminals then retrieve this data, and voila, your bank account becomes their latest shopping spree.
This is not just a West Virginia problem. A similar incident unfolded in Atlanta recently, where two men were caught on security cameras installing a skimmer at another Kroger. The device lurked there for four days, silently collecting data before its discovery. Whether you’re in Georgia, West Virginia, or Timbuktu, the threat is real, and it’s everywhere.
So, next time you’re doing your grocery run, be vigilant. Scrutinize the card readers and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. It’s crucial to periodically check for unauthorized transactions on your bank account. Let’s not make it easy for these criminals who are out to fleece hardworking Americans. Conservative values include personal responsibility, and that means staying one step ahead of the scam artists.
