Melissa’s Blog

Melissa’s Blog

Melissa’s Blog

MIAMI - MAY 20: Yera Dominguez uses a credit card reader to charge a credit card from a customer for payment at Lorenzo's Italian Market on May 20, 2009 in Miami, Florida. Members of Congress today passed a bill placing new restrictions on companies that issues credit. The vote follows the Senate passage of the bill, which now heads for President Obama's promised signature. The bill will curb sudden interest rate increases and hidden fees, requiring card companies to tell customers of rate increases 45 days in advance. It will also make it harder for people aged below 21 to be issued credit cards. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Skimmers are becoming a thing here in Massachusetts. Credit card skimmers are the work of thieves who attempt to get your credit card information and in many cases are successful. There have been quite a few incidents where skimmers have been found at various locations. Some as recent as January 20th.

The most recent incident occurred at the Star Market at the Prudential Center along Huntington Avenue. In this case, law enforcement was contacted and there is no information at this time to reveal how many customers may have been affected. Since this is becoming a regular thing in Massachusetts, we wanted to give you some tips at how to avoid becoming a victim of a credit card skimmer.

First, take a quick overall glance at the credit card machine. It’s pretty easy to tell at first glance if it has been tampered with. Second, block your PIN number when using your debit card. You never know who may be watching you. Also, make sure you stay in public view and try not to use NON bank ATMs at all costs. And finally, check your bank accounts regularly. If it doesn’t get compromised, the sooner you detect fraudulent activity, the better.

There have been many credit card skimmer incidents here in Massachusetts as of late. Let’s take a look at which stores were affected so you can determine if you need to take further action.

  • Sudbury Farms in Sudbury, MA

    This incident happened in December of 2023. The skimmers were found at two self check out kiosks.

    Credit card skimmers found at Sudbury grocery store

    A grocery store in Middlesex County said that they discovered credit card skimmers at two self-checkout kiosks.

  • Sudbury Farms, Needham MA

    Skimmers were found at self check out kiosks before Christmas Eve. Shoppers at this location are urged to check their bank accounts to make sure they were not compromised.

    Credit card skimmers found at 4 more Massachusetts supermarkets, Roche Bros says

    The skimming devices were found in the self-checkout lanes of the grocery stores.

  • Brothers Marketplace Westford, MA

    This market is known for its local food and produce. They also offer sandwiches and food to go and catering. A skimmer was found at the Westford location before Christmas.

    Card skimmers found at 4 more Roche Bros. locations

    Card skimmers have been found at grocery stores operated by Roche Bros. in Needham, Natick, Sudbury, Weston, and Wellesley.

  • Market Basket, Reading MA

    The incident at this location happened back in October. It was found the day it was put in and determined it was removed before any customer data could be stolen.

  • Market Basket, Chelsea MA

    This incident was reported on December 5. It was located at a register and was noticed only 6 minutes after it was placed. A group of people was involved.

    Credit card skimmer placed at Market Basket; found within minutes, company says

    Police said that they were alerted to the fraudulent card reading device found on a register at the grocery store on Everett Avenue.

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