MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- A video that has gone viral demonstrates just how quick and easy it is to install a skimming device in a retail outlet to steal credit- and debit-card information.
Miami Beach, Fla., police recently released surveillance video of two men who were caught on camera placing a skimmer over a point-of-sale (POS) terminal in a Miami Beach Chevron convenience store, reported CBS Miami.
On the video, one of the men distracts the clerk while the other places the skimmer over the payment keypad located near the register. It took less than three seconds to put it in place.
They both then left the store.
The following day, a store clerk called the police after the skimmer became loose on the keypad. Police are still looking for the suspects.
Skimming devices can be attached to POS terminals in stores, to payment terminals in gasoline dispensers or to ATMs. Attorneys general and law enforcement officials in a growing number of states are taking steps to combat the fraud, and along with retailers, they are turning to technology to prevent it from happening.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.