Mercer County Prosecutor issues warning after thieves install card skimmers at a 7-Eleven

Two overlay skimmer devices that steal credit card information where discovered at a 7-Eleven story at 559 Lalor Street near the Hamilton/Trenton border, law enforcement officials said.

Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta Marbrey said the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Task Force was alerted to a viral video circulating on social media showing the two overlay skimmer devices.

On Monday morning, members of the task force recovered the skimmer devices and forwarded them to partners at the United States Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force laboratory for forensic analysis.

If you used a credit or debit card at this 7-Eleven location, the prosecutor us urging you to monitor your bank or credit card statements closely. If there are charges you don’t recognize, contact your bank or credit card company immediately for further guidance.

Helpful tips to spot skimmers

• Inspect ATMs, POS terminals, and other card readers before use. Look for anything that appears loose, crooked, damaged or scratched. Do not use any card reader if you notice anything unusual.

• Before entering your PIN, tug gently on the edges of the keypad. Additionally, cover the keypad as much as possible while entering your PIN to shield it from potential cameras. Remember that pinhole cameras could be hidden nearby.

• Stay particularly vigilant for skimming devices in tourist areas, as they are common targets for criminals.

• Avoid using your debit card when you have linked accounts, as a compromised debit card could expose all of your accounts. Opt for a credit card instead.

• Regularly monitor your credit card, bank, and EBT or benefits accounts to quickly spot any unauthorized transactions. If possible, set up email or text message alerts to keep you informed of any activity on your accounts.

• Take the time to review the security features available for your payment cards, such as multi-factor authentication or the ability to freeze your account between transactions. While these measures may seem inconvenient, they can significantly reduce the risk of financial loss.

If you suspect that your debit or credit card information has been compromised at this 7- Eleven location, please contact Sergeant Edward Hughes with the Mercer County Cyber Crimes Task Force at cybercrimes@mercercounty.org.