CrimeStoppers and the Honolulu Police Department are warning the public about credit card skimmers, devices that can attach to a card reader and steal credit or debit card information whenever a card is used.

What You Need To Know

  • Police say the devices have recently been found at self-checkout registers at supermarkets around Oahu

  • The devices typically avoid notice but can be discovered by close visual or physical inspection

  • Consumers who suspect that a card reader has been tampered with are advised to notify an employee of the establishment immediately

  • Those who suspect that a card may have been skimmed should contact the credit card company

Police say the devices have recently been found at self-checkout registers at supermarkets around Oahu. They can also be used at other point-of-sale terminals, ATMs or gas pumps.

The devices typically avoid notice but can be discovered by close visual or physical inspection.

Police advise that consumers check for alignment issues between the card reader and the panel underneath it.

Skimmers are often placed on top of the actual card reader, making it stick out at an odd angle or cover printed arrows in a panel.

Consumers should also compare the card reader to those at neighboring terminals to look for differences.

Physical inspection of a card reader or key pad can often reveal skimming devices, police said. Because authentic card readers are manufactured to fit snugly in their housing, any movement in the device could indicate that it has been installed illegally by a thief.

Consumers who suspect that a card reader has been tampered with are advised to notify an employee of the establishment immediately.

Those who suspect that a card may have been skimmed should contact the credit card company.

Police also advise the public routinely monitor financial accounts to detect fraudulent activities.

Anyone with information about this a skimming incident is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 808-955-8300. The public may now send anonymous web tips to honolulucrimestoppers.org or via the P3 Tips app.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.