Credit card skimmers on rise across Middle Tennessee, the US. What to know, how to avoid

Skimming devices aimed at stealing credit and debit card information from unsuspecting shoppers are on the rise across the country, according to the Secret Service , and Middle Tennessee appears to be no different.

Over the last several months, law enforcement agencies across the region made similar statements warning locals to be vigilent.

In Franklin, police are searching for two men suspected of installing card skimmers at multiple Kroger grocery stores throughout the city, the department said in a statement Saturday. The devices were found in the self-checkout at stores on Mallory Lane, Murfreesboro and Hillsboro Roads.

In Hendersonville, law enforcement found a skimming device on a New Shackle Island Road gas station pump in May. Investigators discovered the device had stolen nine different card numbers before they removed it.

Here's what to know about these skimming devices.

What is a card skimmer?

A card skimmer is a device installed on card readers at stores or ATMs that can capture the data from the magnetic strip and the chip off of a credit or debit card.

On ATMs, the device is usually inserted in the card slot, where it is difficult to detect from the exterior, the Secret Service said.

Devices found in grocery and convenience stores typically sit on top of the actual card reader and come with keypads, meaning the skimmer can capture pin numbers used for debit cards.

Franklin Police Detective Dan Ogilvie said these devices are often wireless and can instantly transmit card information so the suspect doesn't have to return to retrieve the data.

What to look for in a card skimmer

Before putting a card into any device, Ogilvie said to touch the reader.

"Make sure nothing is wobbly," he said. "Look for any strange gaps. Often times when they place this fake keypad on top of the real one, there's a noticeable gap either on the sides or where the actual card is."

On ATMs, the Secret Service recommends looking for inoperable or broken lights, raised pin pads with loose edges or stickers in unusual places.

What to do if you suspect you're victim to a skimmer

Immediately contact your bank if you suspect your card has been compromised, ask for the card to be deactivated and for a new one to be issued with a new pin number, the Secret Service suggested.

"Monitor the affected account closely," the Secret Service said. "If you suffered a financial loss as a result of a skimming incident, consider filling a fraud affidavit with the card issuer and contacting your local law enforcement agency to report the incident."

Ogilvie said contactless payment is likely the safest method for transactions. Tap-to-pay technology or apps like Google and Apple pay are also viable options, he said.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Credit card skimmers on rise across Middle Tennessee, the US. What to know, how to avoid