If you’re a tap and pay kind of person, you might want to hold off on it for a bit.
The Aurora Police Department issued a scam warning for those who opt for contactless pay.
“Scammers are drilling holes in contactless payment screens (pictured below) and damaging the contactless option. This forces customers to swipe their card for payment.,” says APD on its X page “Thieves are placing skimming devices on these damaged machines and stealing card information.”
SCAM ALERT ? APD’s Economic Crimes Unit warns the public of a scam involving contactless payment processes at gas stations.
Scammers are drilling holes in contactless payment screens (pictured below) and damaging the contactless option. This forces customers to swipe their card… pic.twitter.com/jXDiRurWfw
— Aurora Police Dept (@AuroraPD) September 26, 2023
Tis the season for holiday purchases and its easy to get distracted – especially when you have many things to think about during this time. While these incidents are happening at gas stations, being alert at all kiosks, ATMs, and other pay as you go location can help protect your finances and identity. Take some time to look at your contactless payment location, double checking for any peeled stickers, or drilled holes.
“If you notice a hole drilled into a contactless payment screen, please notify gas station employees. The pumps should be shut down and inspected for a skimmer. Officers from APD’s ECU can come out and inspect these pumps if you believe someone has tampered with it.”
