Residents in the area of Alexander City have been warned that two men are attaching “skimmers” to local credit card machines.

The two men reported to be using the skimmers were seen recently at a local Piggly Wiggly, prompting the store to post a warning on its Facebook addressed to local businesses and individuals warning them to increase their vigilance when using credit card machines in the area.

The devious technology, installed by perpetrators in the hopes of stealing valuable information from unsuspecting victims, allows the offender or offenders to access personal credit card numbers and pin codes. Once the personal details are accessed, the owner of the skimmer can then create replicant counterfeit cards in the name of the victim.

To protect yourself against skimmers, experts suggest the following:

• Check for tampering: Before using a card reader, carefully examine it for any signs of tampering like loose parts, extra tape, or mismatched components. 
• Shield your PIN: Always cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN at an ATM or point-of-sale terminal. 
• Use contactless payment: Opt for “tap to pay” options whenever possible, as they generate a unique transaction code for each use. 
• Pay inside: At gas stations, go inside to pay at the register instead of using the pump card reader. 
• Choose trusted ATMs: Prefer ATMs located inside banks, and avoid outdoor terminals. 
• Be vigilant: If something seems off about a card reader, don’t use it and report your concerns. 
• Monitor your account: Regularly check your bank statements for any suspicious transactions.