4 Things New England Shoppers Need to Know About How to Spot a Credit Card Skimmer

Aldi Grocery Stores in New Jersey

Recently, Aldi Grocery stores in New Jersey had to inform customers that their credit card information may have been compromised because of a skimmer device at the payment station.  The incident happened toward the start of the new year, and it is just now being discovered.

It has happened to us here in New England.  Remember when Market Basket had it happen in several stores in New Hampshire and Massachusetts not too long ago?

New England Shoppers Take Precautions

Because I'm right there with you and whipping out my credit card at every turn, I wanted to share what the experts had to say about keeping our credit card information safe and spotting credit card skimmers:

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Let's face it. In the world that we are in, it's very hard to keep your information private. However, according to Forbes and consumer.ftc.gov, there are a few things you try to look out for.

1. Gas pumps will usually have security tape on the cabinets to prevent bad guys from tampering with them.  If it looks at all messed with, inform whomever is working at the place and don't use it.
2. Check for alignment issues between the skimmer and panel underneath it.  If anything looks off, don't use it.  Skimmers are often placed on top of the legit card reader, and it's not a perfect fit at times.
3. If you don't want to risk paying at a self-checkout, you can always go to a cashier's line or go inside at a gas station.
4. If you can wiggle any part of the card reader, don't use it.  The real card readers are installed properly and will not jiggle around.

If you have tried all these things and your information is still stolen, it's truly not the end of the world.  Don't freak out.  Most companies have entire departments who deal with crooks trying to take your money.  Cancel the credit card and call your bank.  Most banks will help you.

Has your credit card ever been compromised?