Important Ways Oklahomans Can Spot A Hidden Fraudulent Device

The holiday season isn't just a season of giving. Unfortunately, it can be a season of taking for people with the wrong intentions.

Lawton locals may have found a fraudulent device used to steal card information. But, this isn't the first instance of card skimmers being found in Oklahoma, or across the country for that matter.

Don't fall victim to the subtle, inconspicuous ways that people have developed in order to steal your information and, ultimately, your money.

Lawton locals believe to have found a suspicious skimming device at local gas station.

Krystall Fields and her husband moved to Lawton from Detriot, Michigan. While they may have adjusted to a slower-paced lifestyle, there are some habits you just don't stop, no matter where you live.

She explained that her and her husband used to check for card skimmers all of the time while they lived up north. "Its common there and talked way more about on the news," she said, "we are accustomed to always checking for skimmers first."

While her husband was preparing to use an air pump at a local gas station here in Lawton, he checked the card reader before using it. And he found what he believed to be a card skimmer.

"It can happen anywhere without the owner's knowledge," Fields told us, "But with everything going on, the last thing people need is to be scammed out of money."

We've reached out to the gas station manager for a statement regarding the incident but haven't yet received a confirmation if the device was, in fact, a skimmer.

What is a card skimmer?

According to experian.com, a card skimmer is a device that is used to steal your card's information. They can be unknowingly installed on gas pumps, ATMs, and Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals. They can still information from debit, credit, and EBT cards.

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The skimmer that was found at the gas station here in Lawton was found on an air pump, which reportedly did not belong to the gas station that it was located near. One major detail about skimmers is that they are made to be nearly impossible to detect. So, how do you know if you're a victim of card skimming?

What should you do if you are a victim of card skimming?

If, after a few days after the transaction, you notice fraudulent charges being made on your account, there's a good chance that someone now has your card information.

READ MORE: See The Sneak Peek of OKC's Safari Lights Christmas Experience

It's important to report to your financial insititution as soon as possible that you hadn't made the transaction. The Lawton Police Department's Public Information Officer, Charlie Whittington, suggested that an incident report be made with the local police department. In  many cases, banks will require a report for proof for money to be refunded.

Helpful ways to minimize the chances of being scammed through a fraudulent device.

Because skimmers and shimming technology scan information on your physical card, a possible alternative to avoiding swiping your card is to use tap-to-pay options on your phone. You can always avoid card transactions completely and only use cash at the pumps. But, in some cases, like with air pumps, cash may not be an option.

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If in the case that you do have to use a card, there is power in noticing small details. Compare readers nearby, and take note if there are small holes that seem out of place, out-of-order numbers, and other small oddities.

You can also attempt to manipulate the edge of the device. According to experian.com, "You could try pulling on the card reader or keypad to see if there's a skimming device that moves or comes off."

Mainly, folks should be cautious and attentive while out and about. Take a few seconds and closer to your surroundings.