Crime & Safety

ATM Skimmer Found At Smyrna Gas Station

ATM Skimmer Found At Smyrna Gas Station

SMYRNA, TN -- A man looking to draw money from an ATM at a Smyrna gas station vigilantly located at card skimmer on the cash machine.

Trae Epsy told NewsChannel 5 he went inside the Circle K on Almaville Road and when he got to the ATM, he noticed the card reader's color was different and that it seemed larger than it once did. When he touched it, it felt loose. He informed the manager, who removed the reader and indeed, there was a chip inside.

Smyrna Police are investigating.

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Gas stations are a prime target for skimming scammers, the state's consumer affairs division says. Here are some tips from the state:

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  • Wiggle the card reader. If there is a skimmer in place, it should dislodge.
  • Report any skimmers to the gas station employees or bank and inform local police.
  • Check credit card and bank statements for fraudulent or suspicious charges and inform the bank or card company.
  • Most gas stations are participating in a voluntary program to prevent card skimming by the use of tamper-detecting tape around the pump panels. If the panel is opened, the label will read "Void."

Image via Morguefile

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