Welcome to the Monroe County Sheriff's Department's resource page on Skimming. Skimming is a common method of card fraud that can result in significant financial losses for unsuspecting victims. Our goal is to provide you with essential information on how skimming works, how to recognize it, and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Skimming is a type of fraud where criminals use devices to illegally collect data from the magnetic stripe of credit or debit cards during legitimate transactions. These devices are often placed on ATMs, gas station pumps, or other card-reading machines, capturing card information which is then used to commit fraud.

Knowing how to spot a skimming device can help you avoid falling victim:

Unusual or Loose Card Readers: Inspect card readers before using them. If the reader looks unusual, bulky, or feels loose, it could be a skimming device.

Hidden Cameras: Look for small, pinhole cameras aimed at the keypad. These cameras are used to capture your PIN as you enter it.

Keypad Overlays: Check for keypads that feel thick or different from what you’re used to. Overlays are sometimes placed over the legitimate keypad to capture PIN numbers.

Tampered Machines: If the machine looks tampered with, has broken seals, or has additional components attached, avoid using it.

ATMs: Both standalone and bank-affiliated ATMs are frequent targets for skimming devices, particularly in low-traffic areas.

Gas Station Pumps: Skimmers often target gas station pumps, where they can discreetly install devices inside the machine.

Retail Point of Sale (POS) Terminals: Skimming devices can be placed on POS terminals in stores, especially in locations with self-checkout lanes.

Parking Meters and Ticket Kiosks: Public payment kiosks like parking meters are also vulnerable to skimming devices.

Inspect Card Readers: Before using an ATM or payment terminal, check the card reader and surrounding area for any signs of tampering or unusual devices.

Cover Your PIN: Always cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN to prevent hidden cameras from capturing it.

Use Secure ATMs: Prefer ATMs located inside banks or well-lit areas where criminals are less likely to install skimmers.

Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your bank statements for unauthorized transactions, and report any suspicious activity immediately.

Use Contactless Payments: Whenever possible, use contactless payments or mobile wallets, which are less susceptible to skimming.

If you suspect that your card information has been skimmed:

Contact Your Bank: Immediately report any suspicious activity to your bank or credit card company. They can freeze your account and issue a new card.

Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close watch on your accounts for any unauthorized transactions that might occur.

Report the Incident: Notify the Monroe County Sheriff's Department about the skimming incident so we can investigate and prevent further fraud.

If you believe you have been a victim of skimming, the Monroe County Sheriff's Department is here to help. You can report suspicious activities by:

Calling Our Office: Reach out to us directly at (618) 939-8651.
Filing an Online Report: Use our secure online reporting system [Link to Online Report].
Visiting Us: Visit our office at 225 E 3rd St, Waterloo, IL 62298 for in-person assistance.