WARNING: Credit Card Skimmers Showing up in Southern Minnesota

Credit card skimmers are typically installed on ATM's and at gas station pumps and are used to steal a person's card information. Freeborn County Officials are warning people to be on the look out and say there have been a few cases already reported in their county.  In addition to gas pumps and ATMs, the public is being advised to be careful about who they hand their card off to.

Sheriff Kurt Freitag from the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office told KIMT News, “Treat your card for what it’s worth. Don’t treat it like it’s a piece of plastic. If you have a $12,000 limit, that’s a lot of money. If you’re handing your card off to someone be cautious.”

If you are skimmed, you should contact your bank/credit card company and the police or sheriff's department immediately.

Earlier this year, the Minnesota Department of Commerce issued a warning about skimmers after 3 Kentucky men were caught and arrested with the devices in Bloomington.

The Department of Commerce posted these tips on their website to help you protect yourself:

Spot skimmers at the pump 

• Look before you swipe.  Inspect the card reader and pump for any signs of forced entry, including broken security seals, tool marks, loose materials, scratches where someone may have tampered with the pump or anything else that is suspicious.
• Any pump could contain a skimmer. Pumps at the outer edges of the perimeter are the easiest places to install skimmers without being seen by the attendant. But pumps close to the station get the heaviest traffic and criminals may take a risk to get a bigger payoff. 
• See something, say something. If you notice any irregularities (especially someone who is not a station employee or an inspector who is opening up a pump), alert the station attendant or call the Minnesota Department of Commerce Weight & Measures Division at 651-539-1555 or Consumer Services Center at 651-539-1600 or 800-657-3602 (Greater Minnesota-only).

Protect your plastic

• Pay with cash or a card inside. Or select credit instead of debit on the pump. If you do use a debit card, never type in your PIN at the pump. Using your credit card will limit your liability to $50, while stolen debit card information can give the thief direct access to the actual money in your bank account.
• Check your bank accounts and credit card statements regularly and immediately report irregularities to your financial institution or credit/debit card company. There is a limited time period for you report fraud without any liability on your part.