In light of the recent fraudulent ATM withdrawals, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit would like to remind citizens to follow these guidelines while using ATM’s or card readers. These simple measures can greatly decrease your chances of becoming a victim of fraud.

• Be aware of loose, broken, chipped, or damaged parts on or near any card reading device of an ATM/gas pump machine.
• Be on the lookout for items that don’t appear to be part of a typical machine.
• Check reader cover to see if it is loose or comes off. Skimmers usually are held on with double-sided tape.
• Cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN# to avoid possible hidden cameras.
• On gas pumps, check the card reader door for seal tape. If seal tape is noticed, tampering has occurred and device should be avoided.
• Use familiar ATM’s and limit your visits.
• Use chip credit cards when possible and avoid using magnetic strip swiping.

If you become a victim:

• Immediately contact the bank or credit card company to report the fraud. There are liability time limits (debit cards 2 days, credit cards 60 days
from receiving a statement). If you wait longer, your liability could increase. Use credit cards to avoid this from occurring.
• Change passwords and PIN’s.
• Closely monitor account activity/bank statements.
• Request a copy of your credit report.
• Add a fraud alert to credit card reporting agency.
• Contact each creditor directly to make them aware of the fraud.
• Consider reporting theft to police and the Federal Trade Commission (they can also provide advice on how to report fraud).

Check out these links for further information:

Federal Trade Commission article – Avoid skimmers at the pump
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2017/06/avoid-skimmers-pump

FTC Brochure – Identity Theft: A Recovery Plan
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/pdf-0009_identitytheft_a_recovery_plan.pdf