Chandler Police, US Secret Service partner to prevent credit card skimming

PHOENIX — The Chandler Police Department announced on Wednesday that it partnered with the U.S. Secret Service to prevent credit card skimming.

Detectives from the department joined forces with the Secret Service’s Phoenix Field Office to conduct checks at more than 100 businesses for illegal skimming devices installed at point-of-sale terminals and ATMs.

In a positive turn of events, there were no skimming devices found during the sweeps.

“These proactive efforts mean our community can have peace of mind,” Chandler Police Commander Dan Shellum said in the announcement. “We want people to feel confident swiping their cards in Chandler, knowing our officers and federal partners are taking steps to keep them safe. These operations will be ongoing to ensure we stay ahead of potential threats.”

What can Arizonans do to defend against credit card skimming?

Chandler police and the Secret Service provided tips for how resident can protect themselves, which included:

• Inspecting machines before use — check ATMs, gas pumps and payment terminal for anything loose, crooked, damaged or unusual.
• Using chip-enabled cards — the chips are less vulnerable than traditional magnetic strip cards when it comes to skimming.
• Protecting your PIN — when entering your PIN, make sure to block it from any possible hidden cameras. Arizonans could also consider running the card as credit instead of debit.
• Choosing safe locations — use ATMs that are well-lit and inside.
• Monitoring your bank accounts — be vigilant for any fraudulent activity.

“Education is key, and we are committed to teaching members of our community how to protect themselves from becoming victims of skimming,” U.S. Secret Service’s Phoenix Field Office Special Agent in Charge Bill Mack said.

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