Key Points:
- Credit-card skimmers were found at five Giant Eagle stores in Ohio.
- The skimmers may have captured information from customers who swiped a payment card on the PIN pads.
Giant Eagle, a grocery store chain in Ohio, announced on Wednesday that credit-card skimmers were found and removed at five of its stores. The skimmers were devices that could read customers’ credit and debit cards when they swiped their cards on the PIN pads. It is estimated that a small number of customers may have had their information captured by the skimmers.
However, Giant Eagle assures customers that the majority of them should not be affected because most customers have chips in their cards, which are inserted instead of being swiped. The chip technology provides added security, making it more difficult for skimmers to steal card information.
Although the discovery of the skimmers is concerning, it is a reminder for consumers to be vigilant when using their payment cards. Skimmers can be placed discreetly on payment terminals, making it difficult for customers to spot them. However, there are several precautionary measures that individuals can take to protect themselves:
- Use chip-enabled cards whenever possible. The chip technology provides an added layer of security by creating a unique transaction code for every purchase.
- Monitor bank and credit card statements regularly. Check for any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity.
- Consider using mobile payment options such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet. These services use tokenization to protect card information and can be more secure than traditional card payments.
- Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. This can help prevent hidden cameras or onlookers from capturing your PIN number.
- Be cautious of ATMs or payment terminals that look suspicious. Skimmers often have subtle differences or irregularities compared to legitimate devices.
- Report any suspicious activity or devices to the store or financial institution immediately.
Overall, it is crucial for consumers to stay vigilant and take steps to protect their payment card information. The discovery of credit-card skimmers serves as a reminder to be cautious when using payment cards and to regularly monitor financial accounts for any unauthorized activity.
