Skimming device found in Fairfield gas station ATM: Police

FAIRFIELD, CT — A skimming device was found this week on an ATM at the Mobil gas station at 1271 Stratfield Road in Fairfield, and police are warning residents to check their bank statements for unauthorized withdrawals.

The device, which is attached to an ATM and resembles a machine, can steal financial information. An ATM repair technician discovered the device on Monday, but police said it was “unknown when it was placed there.”

“Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious ATMs or devices to the Fairfield Police Department,” Sgt. Michael Stahl said in a statement.

In addition to checking statements for fraudulent withdrawals or purchases, Stahl also suggested people contact their bank “to request a replacement card if they notice suspicious activity.”

Stahl provided the following tips on how to spot a skimming device in an ATM:

Check the card reader: Check the card reader for loose, large, or misaligned parts. If it looks different than other ATMs, it may have been tampered with.
Inspect the keyboard: Check to see if the keyboard is thicker than usual or if it is a counterfeit overlay.
Cover your PIN: Always cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN in case there is a hidden camera nearby.
Wiggle everything: Wiggle the card reader and keyboard to see if they are loose or can be removed.

If you see any suspicious activity, please report it to the Fairfield Police Department at 203-254-4800.