Card Skimmers Found at Market Baskets in Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Skimmers designed to steal credit card information were discovered on payment terminals at several Market Basket stores in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Police are urging shoppers to be vigilant and take precautionary measures to protect their personal information.

Card skimmers are covert devices that are attached to payment terminals and can collect card details to be sent to a third party. These skimmers specifically target cards that are swiped rather than inserted into chip readers, allowing them to obtain sensitive information.

The police in Concord, New Hampshire, revealed that evidence of skimmers was found at Market Baskets in Concord and Nashua, New Hampshire, as well as in Haverhill, Somerville, and Reading, Massachusetts. Deputy Chief John Thomas confirmed that the ongoing investigation suggests a possible connection among all five incidents. The individuals responsible for placing the skimmers at each store were described as wearing similar attire, including a trench coat, flat cap hat, and surgical mask.

In the case of the Market Basket in Concord, New Hampshire, two skimmer devices were discovered last month. Both devices were determined to have been placed by the same two individuals. One skimmer was attached to a self-checkout lane terminal at a Walmart on Loudon Road in Concord, where it remained for two days before authorities were alerted. At the Market Basket on Storrs Street, a skimmer potentially affected shoppers in an express lane for 10 days before it was removed.

Somerville police also reported the discovery of a skimming device at the Market Basket on Somerville Avenue on October 30th. It is unclear whether the device was immediately found or if any customers were affected.

Deputy Chief Thomas advised shoppers to be cautious and avoid swiping their cards if the chip reader slot on the terminal is not operational. Instead, customers should seek assistance from store associates.

Concord police issued a press release stating that a key indicator of these particular skimmers is an inoperable or jammed chip reader slot, which prompts customers to swipe their cards and allows the magnetic reader to steal their information.

Market Basket confirmed that one terminal at each affected location was impacted by the skimming devices. The company assured customers that it is not aware of any compromised customer information and is closely monitoring the situation. Market Basket is also collaborating with state and local authorities to identify the individuals responsible for the skimming devices.

In conclusion, shoppers at Market Basket stores in Massachusetts and New Hampshire are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their personal information while using payment terminals. By staying alert and reporting any suspicious activity, customers can help prevent further incidents of credit card skimming..