Many consumers are aware of the threat of credit card skimming devices at ATM’s and pay at the pump gas station terminals.  However, the presence of skimming devices is rapidly increasing and the technology is becoming more and more advanced.  Most recently, self-service checkout lanes have become a target for these skimming devices.   Since the credit card readers in the self-service checkout lane are in the open without regular employee presence, they are more vulnerable to be altered or tampered with.

In November, credit card skimmers were discovered at the self-service checkout lanes at 24 grocery stores in California.  The grocery stores involved were all a part of the Lucky Supermarket chain.  An employee noticed in late November that a card reader at their store looked suspicious and it was determined that an illegal skimming device had been mounted to the reader.  (more…)