On Monday, December 23, 2024, the Marshalltown Police Department began a credit card fraud investigation. At the time the initial report was taken a credit card skimming device was suspected as being involved in this crime. As of December 31, the police department has heard from at least a dozen victims who have reported credit card fraud. Since December 23, law enforcement personnel have been searching for the precise location of the credit card skimming device.
On December 31, a credit card skimming device was successfully recovered from a gas pump located at the Casey’s on West Lincoln Way in Marshalltown (1009 West Lincoln Way). The skimming device was well hidden in the gasoline pump. Law enforcement personnel, and Casey’s technicians, had searched this particular gasoline pump multiple times prior to the successful recovery of the device.
Credit card skimming devices are oftentimes difficult to spot. Here are photos of the device that has been recovered:
The investigation of these crimes is continuing. The police department does believe all of the credit card frauds reported so far are related to this one skimming device. Two out of state suspects have been identified and law enforcement is working to locate these individuals. Evidence suggests, other communities in Iowa have also been targeted by the same suspects. This investigation continues.
If you have been a victim of credit card fraud, you should report these crimes to law enforcement immediately. In Marshalltown, you can report these crimes 24/7 by calling 641.754.5725. You should also report these crimes to your bank or credit card company.
On December 23 and December 30, the Marshalltown Police Department shared information on social media about credit card fraud and steps that can be taken to protect yourself from credit card skimming devices. No one thing is 100% effective in preventing these crimes. Here are some suggestions:
- Protect your PIN-Cover your PIN with your hand when entering it at a terminal.
- Use contactless payment-Tap your card at the terminal to generate a one-time code for each transaction.
- Avoid outdoor terminals-Use ATMs inside banks or POS terminals inside gas stations, where criminals are less likely to tamper with them.
- Check your account activity-Regularly check your account activity online and report any unauthorized transactions to your bank or credit card company immediately.
- Use credit instead of debit-Debit cards are linked to your checking account, so if your data is stolen, the thief could access your banking information.
- Avoid public WiFi-Using public WiFi can put your data at risk of being intercepted by cybercriminals.
- Keep your card in sight-Don't let your card out of your sight when paying for something.
- Set up fraud alerts-Set up free fraud alerts with the three main credit bureaus to prevent criminals from opening new accounts or taking out loans in your name.
- Use card controls-Use card controls to manage your debit card usage through your smartphone or online banking platform.
This article from the Federal Bureau of Investigation also provides helpful information:
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/skimming
For more information, please contact Captain Christopher Jones by calling 641.754.5729 or via email at cjones@marshalltown-ia.gov.