The Cheltenham Township Police Department announced today that officers recovered a skimming device from the ATM machine at the 7-11 store at 250 S Easton Road on Monday, March 17.

According to police, skimming devices allow criminals to record information from the magnetic strip on a debit card and subsequently create a duplicate card.

“The criminals also install a camera, which records when you enter your pin number. Similar skimming devices have been found at other locations throughout Montgomery County,” the department said in a post.

According to the FBI’s website, “Skimming occurs when devices illegally installed on or inside ATMs, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, or fuel pumps capture card data and record cardholders’ PIN entries. Criminals use the data to create fake payment cards and then make unauthorized purchases or steal from victims’ accounts.”

7-11 employees noticed and removed the device on Sunday, police said.

“To protect yourself from becoming a victim of credit card skimming, it is recommended that you visually inspect the ATM for suspicious modifications prior to use,” the department said in a post. “Does it wiggle or seem loose? If so, DO NOT swipe or insert your card, notify the business and local law enforcement. Also cover up the keypad when entering your pin and use contactless-enabled cards or phones for safe and easy payments by tapping your card or phone on a contactless-enabled payment terminal.”

More information and preventative tips can be found on the FBI’s website.

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