Cheyenne Police Issue Warning After Credit Card Skimmer Found

Cheyenne Police are warning residents to be vigilant after a credit card skimmer was found at a local business.

[Note: Above photo is from a previous Cheyenne Police Department case, not the skimmer recently identified].

That's according to a post on the CPD Facebook page. The post does not identify the business, but it does say that a vigilant employee of the business spotted the skimmer and reported it so that it could be removed quickly.

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When we asked Police spokesperson Alex Farkas about where the skimmer was found, she declined to immediately identify the business, saying "The purpose of this post was to raise general awareness and encourage caution at any card reader, rather than to single out one location. Skimming devices can be installed and removed quickly, often without the business's knowledge.''

Farkas provided a link to request a police report.

Townsquare Media has requested a police report on the incident. At last report that request was pending.

Skimmers are small devices that are used to steal credit/debit card information:

Cheyenne Police say such devices are not commonly found in Cheyenne, but even so they advise that you take the following steps to protect yourself:

Specific to fuel pumps, the FBI warns that skimmers are not always visible. So that agency says you can take the following steps when using credit cards at fuel pumps:

• Choose a fuel pump that is closer to the store and in direct view of the attendant. These pumps are less likely to be targets for skimmers.
• Run your debit card as a credit card. If that’s not an option, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN. You should also examine the keypad before use for any inconsistencies in coloring, material, or shape. These inconsistencies might suggest that a foreign device (keypad overlay) is present.
• Consider paying inside with the attendant, not outside at the pump.
• Tap the card instead of swiping or inserting it when paying at the pump (if the card and terminal allow for it). Tap-to-pay transactions are more secure and less likely to be compromised.''