On June 16, the Vermillion Police Department (VPD) investigated the discovery of two fraudulent credit card “skimmers” at Pump & Pak, located at 629 Stanford St. in Vermillion, according to a report by the VPD. Staff at the business noted customers’ comments about how the countertop card readers did not feel quite right and ultimately found that a “second face” had been installed over the top of the readers. The VPD has retrieved those items as evidence and has determined that their intended purpose was to record and/or transmit credit card information fraudulently. Investigation into the incident is continuing, including an attempt to determine exactly when the skimmers were installed. The readers at Pump & Pak are no longer believed to be compromised since the removal of the devices.
The VPD is asking area businesses to inspect their credit card readers for any evidence of additions or modifications. If evidence of tampering is discovered, secure the reader(s) and contact police. Additionally, customers who have recently used the indoor credit card readers at Pump & Pak should monitor accounts for fraudulent activity and should contact their card’s issuing bank for instructions related to those account(s). Persons who believe they are a victim of a crime or who have noticed suspicious persons or activity potentially related to this investigation should contact the Vermillion Police Department at 605.677.7070.