How to avoid becoming prey to skimming scams

CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — As skimming incidents seem to become more commonplace across the state, Lieutenant Nelson Abarzua of the Prospect Police Department provided the following tips for avoiding becoming prey to the scams.

Skimming devices can look nearly identical to real card terminals, but they steal a customer’s financial data so criminals can clone a victim’s cards.

Abarzua said the devices are very tricky to detect, so customers should try to use a credit card instead of a debit card when making a purchase, since the debit card will take money out of your account automatically.

You should also use the “tap-to-pay” feature if available, to avoid inserting your card in the slot.

Consumers should also routinely check their bank accounts after shopping with a credit card and set up alerts from their bank that send a notification to your phone when you purchase something.

You should also check your credit score and if any fraudulent accounts were made in your name.

Some recent skimming incidents happened at LaBonne’s Markets in Prospect and Big Y markets in Naugatuck and Plainville.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.