CHELMSFORD — A debit card skimming device and a concealed camera were discovered during regular maintenance at an ATM located at the Hannaford Supermarket on Drum Hill Road.
The Chelmsford Police are now asking anyone who might have used the ATM to update their PIN and to closely monitor their bank statements for any unusual transactions.
The police mentioned in a press statement that they received a call around 12:10 p.m. on Friday to Hannaford, situated at 66 Drum Hill Road, following the discovery of a skimming device and camera by a representative from a private company during maintenance work on the machine near the supermarket’s entrance.
A skimmer is an unauthorized device used to steal credit card information, whereas a hidden camera is placed to capture customers as they enter their PINs.
As stated by the FBI, which offers information about skimming fraud on their website, thieves can subsequently program the stolen information onto a blank card and utilize it to empty a victim’s bank account.
Law enforcement stated they are unsure for how long the device was installed on the machine.
Anyone spotting unusual activity on their accounts is advised to immediately reach out to their bank and the Chelmsford Police.
An inquiry is still in progress.
Law enforcement also provided a number of FBI-approved suggestions to assist residents in avoiding becoming targets of skimming fraud:
• Examine automated teller machines, payment terminals, and card readers for any items that are loose, misaligned, broken, scratched, or not in their proper position.
• Gently pull the edges of the keypad before inputting your PIN, and use your hand to cover it and prevent hidden cameras from capturing the code. Remember that a tiny camera could be located anywhere on or near the machine.
• Opt for indoor, brightly lit ATMs whenever you can, since they are less prone to being attacked.
Additional details about scanning devices and ways to prevent them can be found atfbi.gov.
Follow Aaron Curtis on X @aselahcurtis, or on Bluesky @aaronscurtis.bsky.social.
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