State police have now expanded their search for three suspects accused of planting credit card skimming devices at an array of Walmart locations across Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier.
On Monday we learned that the Walmart store located in Seneca Falls/Waterloo was targeted and had a device installed and remained in place for days. Less than 24 hours later, New York State Police issued an update from Steuben County noting that the Walmart store in Erwin was also targeted.
The skimming device had been manufactured to fit over the existing credit card scanner. It was equipped with a similar keypad and markings and was used to steal account information from unsuspecting customers, state police said in a release.
Store employees immediately removed it after discovering the skimmer.
“The investigation determined that three subjects had entered the establishment on the morning of July 3, 2023, and secretly installed the device. The investigation further revealed that these same individuals are suspected of conducting numerous similar incidents throughout the Southern Tier and Central New York areas,” NYSP added in the press release.
Shoppers at all Walmarts across the Finger Lakes region are encouraged to check their bank accounts for inconsistencies if they shopped at these stores over the last two weeks.
Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to call (607) 962-3282.
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Monday PM report: Credit card skimmer found at Waterloo Walmart, 8 stores now impacted
Add the Waterloo Walmart store to the list of those impacted by credit card skimmers.
Authorities reported late-Monday that a skimmer was located on Register #10 at the Waterloo store, which is in addition to those found in Auburn, Camillus, Cortlandville, Central Square, East Syracuse, Granby, and Oswego.
Anyone who used a credit card at Walmart between July 2 and July 5 should keep an eye on their statement for unusual activity.
The same group of individuals is suspected in all of these cases.
Auburn police have released surveillance footage of the suspects.
The skimming device itself looks like its part of the machine, which makes it hard to detect.
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