Bluetooth Card Skimmers Found at Gastonia Walmart, Police Issue Warning

Police found a Bluetooth card skimmer at a West Gastonia Walmart register on March 6, leading them to warn residents about potential card theft in the area.

These devices steal credit card information and PINs and then send the data to nearby thieves. Similar skimmers have shown up at other stores around Charlotte, threatening local shoppers. “These devices are placed there to digitally read your card and PIN, then transfer the data in real-time to the scammer in a remote location nearby,” a spokesperson told wbtv.com.

Stores are checking their machines more often now. Many are buying better security systems to stop thieves from adding skimmers.

Skimmers snap onto regular payment terminals without standing out. Police are asking people to check card readers closely, watching for anything that looks off or parts that move.

To stay safe, police say using credit cards is better than debit cards. They also mentioned that tap-to-pay options are safer than skimming.

Shoppers should check payment machines before using their cards. Watch out for loose pieces, card readers that seem too big, or slots that look weird.

Even watchful store employees can't always spot these sneaky devices during their work hours. The FBI is now involved, looking into related cases across different states as part of a bigger scam.

When skimmers hit, victims face big money problems and long battles with their banks. Local police are working with nearby departments to catch the thieves.

Banks want customers to watch their accounts carefully. Reporting strange charges quickly helps stop thieves and helps police catch them.

While police caught some suspects in Charlotte, they're still looking for the people behind the Gastonia incident.