Skimmer found at Bucks County, Pa. credit union

💲 Bristol Township police posted two images of the suspect

💲 "Numerous debit cards" were skimmed by the device, according to police

💲 It was placed during the weekend of April 27 and 28

BRISTOL, Pa. — Police have released images of the suspect who may have planted a skimmer device at an American Heritage Credit Union.

The skimmer was found at the branch on Levittown Parkway during the weekend of April 27 and 28, according to Bristol Township police. The image of the suspect, who is wearing a medical mask, was captured by a security camera. A second image was released several days later.

"It's estimated that the device skimmed numerous debit cards," police wrote on their Instagram page.

Police did not disclose specifically on what device the skimmer was found.

Ways to avoid being scammed by a skimmer

Skimmers are small devices are disguised to look like the ATM or credit card reader it has been planted on. It allows the information stored in the card's magnetic strip or chip to be collected to create a duplicate that can be used fraudulently.

The FBI has suggestions to protect yourself against skimmers on an ATM

• Inspect ATMs, POS terminals, and other card readers before using. Look for anything loose, crooked, damaged, or scratched. Don't use any card reader if you notice anything unusual.
• Pull at the edges of the keypad before entering your PIN. Then, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN to prevent cameras from recording your entry.
• Use ATMs in a well-lit, indoor location, which are less vulnerable targets.
  Be alert for skimming devices in tourist areas, which are popular targets.
• Use debit and credit cards with chip technology. In the U.S., there are fewer devices that steal chip data versus magnetic strip data.
• Avoid using your debit card when you have linked accounts. Use a credit card instead.
• Contact your financial institution if the ATM doesn't return your card after you end or cancel a transaction.

Tips When Using a Fuel Pump

• Choose a fuel pump that is closer to the store and in direct view of the attendant. These pumps are less likely to be targets for skimmers.
• Run your debit card as a credit card. If that’s not an option, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN.
• Consider paying inside with the attendant, not outside at the pump.

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