Skimming devices caught on camera at small businesses in NJ, Philly

July 31, 2026 - 19:46

Small business owners in the Philadelphia region are on alert after several skimming devices were discovered attached to payment terminals at stores in Gloucester County, Camden County, and Philadelphia. The devices, which are used to steal credit and debit card information, were caught on security cameras at multiple locations over the past few weeks.

Police in the area have confirmed that at least three separate incidents were reported, though they believe more may have gone unnoticed. The skimmers were placed over the card readers at checkout counters, often blending in with the store's existing equipment. In some cases, the devices were so well made that employees did not spot them until a customer reported a suspicious charge.

Authorities are now sharing warning signs for both business owners and shoppers. They say to check if the card reader feels loose or looks different from the rest of the machine. Another red flag is a keypad that feels thicker than usual, which could mean a fake overlay was placed on top. Police also advise tugging on the card slot before inserting a card, as a real reader should be firmly attached.

Customers who used a card at any of the affected stores are urged to monitor their bank statements closely and report any unfamiliar transactions. Business owners are being told to inspect their payment terminals daily and to consider using tamper-evident seals. The investigation is ongoing, and police have not yet identified a suspect.