7-Eleven shoppers have been warned after information-stealing devices and hidden cameras were found in an ATM

A device used to steal MONEY, called a skimmer, was discovered in an ATM at a 7-Eleven store. The police want you to stay safe.

Residents and businesses in Springfield, Massachusetts, 110 miles west of Boston, were warned to be on the lookout for other skimmers.

The skimming device and camera were found in a separate ATM at a 7-Eleven store on June 18, Western Mass News reported on Thursday.

Springfield Police are concerned that personal bank accounts are being targeted by thieves using these devices.

Ryan Walsh, a spokesman for the Springfield Police Department, advised people to check their accounts for any suspicious activity.

“If anyone has used the ATM at the 7-Eleven on Cooley Street since June 18, please check your bank accounts,” Walsh told Western Mass News.

Police say skimming devices remain a serious problem in the Springfield area.

Springfield police are advising business owners, especially those with stand-alone ATMs, to be especially vigilant.

They explained that standalone ATMs are not regularly monitored, which puts them at risk.

“These standalone ATMs in bars and convenience stores are some of the riskiest technologies that use these skimming devices,” Walsh said.

“They’re not necessarily monitored by the person running the bar, restaurant or grocery store.”

The Beverly resident said she worries she could become a target of these thieves.

“It’s scary when you’re an older person and you don’t know if anyone is watching you,” Beverly told Western Mass News.

“Nothing, you don’t know what’s going on, people have devices on them, you just don’t know.”

Skimmers are tricky devices because they are designed to work with card readers, so customers don’t think twice about it.

PROTECT YOURSELF

The FBI explained how skimmers work so people can avoid falling for them.

“Devices installed on ATMs are typically undetectable to users – makers of this equipment have become very adept at creating them, often out of plastic or plaster, to blend in with the ATM facade,” the FBI said.

“The specific device we use is often a realistic-looking card reader placed above a factory-installed card reader.

“Customers insert their ATM card into a fake reader and their account details are swiped and stored on a small connected laptop or mobile phone, or transmitted wirelessly to criminals waiting nearby.”

To protect yourself, there are a few things to remember: Always check an ATM or payment terminal before using it.

Check for signs of tampering, such as loose or uneven card slots, unusual mounting, or visible adhesive residue.

Another effective strategy is to use ATMs in well-lit, secure locations.

Machines located in banks or reputable companies are generally more secure than those located in remote or poorly monitored areas.

Choose ATMs that are directly linked to your bank as they are more likely to be checked and maintained regularly.

Regularly monitoring your bank statements and transaction history is crucial to detecting unauthorized activity early.

Finally, you may want to consider using contactless payment methods or mobile payment apps that are less susceptible to skimming.