09/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/04/2024 16:10
Card Skimming Alert from the Cambridge Police Department
On Tuesday, September 3 around 5:15 p.m., Cambridge Police responded to a retail business on the 700 block of Massachusetts Avenue for a report of a credit card skimming device found on a payment terminal. The timing of when the skimmer was installed and how long it was installed is currently unknown.
If you have recently conducted business in that area, please be aware that your credit or debit card information may have been compromised. You are advised to closely monitor your credit card and bank statements for any unauthorized transactions and immediately report any suspicious activity to your credit card company or bank.
Card skimming is a method potential criminals use to collect data from a credit or debit card's magnetic strip when it is used at a pay terminal where a skimmer is installed. Card skimming devices can be difficult to spot, they are typically installed on the outside of the pay terminal and look as if they belong there.
Tips to avoid being skimmed:
Anyone with any information related to this incident is strongly encouraged to call Cambridge Police at 617-349-3300. Those who wish to provide information anonymously may dial the Cambridge Police Anonymous Crime Tip Hotline at 617-349-9151 and leave a message. Anonymous tips may also be sent via the Cambridge Police MyPD mobile app or via text message to 847411. Begin your text with TIP650 and then type your message. To send tips via email, visit www.CambridgePolice.org/tips.