Williamson County sheriff warns of card skimming

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (KBSI) – The Williamson County sheriff warns people to be extra cautious even if they think it is a simple errand to run or going to the gas station to fill their tank up.

Sheriff’s deputies say criminals are finding a new way to steal your information.

It’s called credit card skimming. It happens when devices are illegally installed onto ATMs or other terminals where people insert a payment card.

These devices can copy card information.

Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich says his department is using skim scan technology around the area.

“Williamson County Sheriff’s Office deputies are actively in our community using skim scan technology,” said Sheriff Jeff Diederich. “These devices allow us to randomly inspect credit card payment systems and determine by indication of a green light that there is no skimming occurring. It we received a red indicator light, we would know that skimming is occurring at the payment system.”

To avoid getting your card skimmed, run your debit card as a credit card.

If that is not an option, consider paying inside with the attendant.

If you suspect your card has been skimmed, call your bank right away to have the bank freeze the card.

Then, report it to the police right away.