BROOKLINE — Detectives from the Brookline Police Department are reaching out to the community for assistance in identifying a man suspected of installing a skimming device on a payment terminal at a local supermarket.
The suspect, caught on surveillance footage, posed as a customer at the checkout line.
While the store clerk was busy, he discreetly took the skimming device from his pocket and placed it over the terminal, allowing him to potentially capture credit card information from unsuspecting shoppers.
The fraudulent device, known as a skimmer, was found by a store manager on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
Subsequent review of security videos revealed that the suspect had installed the card reader in August.
While detectives have not confirmed if any customers have been affected, they are advising the public to monitor their credit card statements for any suspicious or unauthorized transactions.
Victims are encouraged to report such activity immediately to both the police and their credit card issuer.
Authorities also recommend that individuals place a security freeze on their credit reports to prevent new accounts from being opened in their names without consent.
The Brookline Police Department is asking anyone with information about the suspect’s identity to come forward and help in the ongoing investigation.
