Credit card skimming device found at Sendik's in Germantown

Updated on Jan. 4, 2024 at 8:32 a.m.

GERMANTOWN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Germantown Police Department has disclosed more information about the skimming device discovered on Dec. 30. In a statewide notice, officials note that two unknown individuals are believed to have worked together in installing the device at Sendik's in Germantown.

One individual reportedly created a diversion while the other placed device while making a purchase. The store also has surveillance audio where the diversion suspect can be heard speaking with what officials believe is an eastern European or Russian accent.

Posted on Jan. 4, 2024 at 5:19 a.m.

GERMANTOWN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Sendik's shoppers in Germantown and surrounding areas are advised to monitor their bank account activity closely following the discovery of a credit card skimming device at the store.

The Village of Germantown Police took to social media on Wednesday, Jan. 3 to report the device being located on a self-checkout terminal, raising concerns about the security of personal financial information for customers who visited the store recently.

Skimming devices, as explained by officials, are tools used to illicitly gather bank card data from unsuspecting victims. The device found at Sendik's was likely in place for nearly two days as of the date it was found on Dec. 30, 2023, gathering information during transactions.

Although officials say that there is no confirmation of compromised data, the potential risk to customers' financial information is significant. The police note that these devices are often placed in multiple locations, usually following the interstate system.

For further information and guidance on how to best be protected from skimming devices, Experian has information that can be found by clicking here.