Credit card skimmers were recently discovered this week in Clintonville at the First State Bank. This continues a disturbing trend that has been popping up in communities all over the state, including recently in Green Bay, Shawano, Madison, among other cities. Skimming devices such as the one discovered in the ATM outside of the bank are information gathering devices that are able to pull personal information off of credit and debit cards. According to Clintonville Police Chief Jim Beggs, criminals use the information from the cards in order to make purchases or withdrawals from your account. Beggs instructs the public to be vigilant and examine an ATM before use, as often times they will appear tampered with.
“If your machine looks different from you are used to seeing, go inside” said Chief Beggs. “If you feel unsafe at the gas pump, go inside for the transaction, things like that are ways you can protect yourself.”
While there currently are no suspects, Beggs says the public can stay a step ahead by always being aware of the purchases that you make using your credit or debit card.
“Check your statements, even daily” said Beggs. “Track your bank statements electronically, and if you see something that does not look right, contact your bank immediately. ”
Beggs says neither the police nor First State Bank believe any of the public had their financial information compromised in this instance.