GROTON — In a proactive measure to combat financial fraud, the Groton Police Department today announced the results of a thorough inspection of local businesses’ point-of-sale terminals.
Officers visited multiple establishments to search for credit card skimmers, devices illegally installed to steal customer card data.
The department is relieved to report that their search yielded no evidence of skimming devices in the inspected card readers.
The findings suggest that Groton business owners and property managers are maintaining a high level of vigilance, regularly checking their equipment for any signs of tampering.
Despite the absence of skimmers, the police urge consumers to remain cautious when using point-of-sale systems.
They recommend several precautionary steps to help detect potential skimming devices:
– Before using a card reader, take a moment to visually inspect it for any irregularities such as unusual bulkiness, discoloration, or sticky keys.
– Gently wiggle the card reader to ensure it is securely attached and does not have any loose parts.
– Look closely at the card insertion slot to see if it appears altered or heavier than normal, which could indicate the presence of a skimmer.
– Whenever available, use the contactless “tap card” function instead of swiping or inserting the card, as this method is less susceptible to skimming.
Groton Police Department’s proactive approach highlights their commitment to safeguarding the financial security of local residents and visitors.
The community is encouraged to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
