Police issue warning after thieves install card skimmers at Winco and Walmart in Idaho Falls
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IDAHO FALLS — The Idaho Falls Police Department is asking shoppers to check their finances after multiple fraudulent financial card scanners were discovered in Idaho Falls.
Officers received two reports of financial card skimmers being found at Winco on 333 North Woodruff Avenue and at Walmart on 500 South Utah Avenue, according to a news release from the Idaho Falls Police Department.
These devices are placed over existing card readers and are used by criminals to collect financial card information, including personal identification numbers. Police say the devices can look very convincing and can be difficult for the lay person to notice.
Video security footage reportedly shows the skimmers being placed on Saturday in the later afternoon/early evening. Both were discovered around midday on Sunday, Dec. 22.
“Anyone who shopped at Winco or Walmart in Idaho Falls between Saturday evening and Sunday morning would be wise to keep a close eye on the credit or debit cards they used for their transactions,” according to the release. “Fraudulent activity should be immediately reported to your financial institution. Stores in the area are advised to inspect their card readers for skimmers and to report any found devices to law enforcement.”
Police say the suspects responsible for this are believed to belong to a traveling criminal group who has also recently placed the devices at other stores in the Boise area and other states.
The investigation into these people and their criminal actions is ongoing.
If you have any information about these skimmers, contact IFPD non-emergency dispatch at (208) 529-1200.
