Be careful in using ATM machines in Prince William County, police warn

Since last week, the Prince William County Police Department has responded to calls involving skimmer devices being located on ATMs at five separate 7-Eleven locations in central Prince William County. Over the past few month, police have also located skimming devices at area gas stations and other ATM locations. Below is a list the 7-Eleven locations, which reported skimming devices recently (map). If you have visited one of these locations recently and used the ATM, you are asked to monitor your bank accounts for suspicious activity and, if needed, notify your bank that your card information may have been compromised.

Ø  5041 Prince William Pkwy, Woodbridge
Ø  13660 Minnieville Rd, Woodbridge
Ø  4804 Dale Blvd, Woodbridge
Ø  7001 Dale Blvd, Woodbridge
Ø  14116 Minnieville Rd, Woodbridge

Tips when using ATMs and Gas Pumps:
v Do an external check of the ATM or gas pump area
§  Slightly tug at protruding parts or on areas where your card may be inserted
§  Check the keyboard, this should be one piece and not move when pressing numbers
v Check for security seals, if tampered with DO NOT use and notify an employee or police (photo)
v Also, check for wires and damaged or broken locks on ATM or gas pump panels
v Look for suspicious devices which may be used to mimic the real device (photo)
v If your bank offers the ability to use access codes instead of the card itself on ATMs, consider using the codes
v If you have to enter your PIN, use your hand to block the view from other people or hidden cameras
v If using a gas pump, try to pay with cash if you can or use a credit card, debit cards are a direct link to your money
v Also at gas stations, choose a pump in direct view of the cashier which deters tampering

Skimmer devices use Bluetooth technology. Using your phone, you may be able to locate a skimmer device in use. Before using a gas pump or ATM, simply take out your phone and search for Bluetooth devices nearby. If you see a device that is unfamiliar (such as one containing various numbers, letters or characters) DO NOT use the machine and notify an employee or the police. Also, NEVER connect your phone to these devices! The phone is only meant to locate potential skimmers.


Federal Trade Commission:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/avoid-skimmers-pump
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0216-protecting-against-credit-card-fraud