Mar 21, 2026 2 min read

As we march ever closer toward a cashless society, the time is now to ramp up security at the checkout.

Credit card fraud is on the rise and the most common form of identity theft.

The statistics are staggering – and somewhat surprising:

– 63% of U.S. credit card holders have been victimized by fraud; 51% were hit multiple times.

– 62 million Americans reported fraudulent card purchases last year.

– Losses surpassed $12.5 billion in 2024 alone.

Odds are pretty good that you or someone you know has been a victim.

Jen Garofalo’s story in Sunday’s newspaper took a look at one of the ways so-called “digital thieves” are helping themselves to our money.

Illegal devices known as “skimmers” and “shimmers” are being attached to credit card readers at gas pumps, self-checkouts and ATM machines. The “skimmers” are placed on top of card readers to capture data from the credit card stripe, while wafer-thin “shims” are tucked inside readers to pull information from cards with chips.

When an unsuspecting customer swipes his or her card or inserts it into the card reader, the device captures their financial information. Thieves then retrieve the data via Bluetooth, an SD card or by removing the device and downloading the information.

If you think it can’t happen here, think again. A few years ago, two men were arrested after being accused of placing skimmers at self-checkouts at the Sam’s Club in South Strabane Township, and at locations in Allegheny and Butler counties. And in 2018, skimmers were placed on ATMs at banks in Washington, North Franklin, South Strabane and Peters Township.

“It feels like a violation of your privacy when your information is stolen,” state police Trooper Kalee Barnhart told the newspaper.

And while there’s no foolproof way to prevent being scammed, Barnhart stressed vigilance is key and offered a few tips.

At the ATM, inspect machines for unusual looking card readers, keypads that look bulkier than normal or stickers in strange places. Check to see if the device is loose.

Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent any hidden cameras from capturing your numbers.

Opt for contactless payments. Tapping reduces shimming and skimming risks.

Above all, regularly review account statements, and notify your bank or credit card company immediately to report any suspicious charges.

It’s your money. You earned it. Protect it.