Credit Card Skimmer Discovered at Prichard Store, Police Investigating

Prichard, AL – Prichard police are investigating the discovery of an illegal credit card skimmer found attached to a self-checkout register at a local store on Thursday. The discovery has prompted concerns for shoppers who may have used the affected checkout and officials are urging anyone with information to come forward.

According to police reports, officers were dispatched to the store to investigate a “suspicious device.” Upon arrival, they discovered a skimming device, designed to illegally capture debit and credit card information, attached to one of the self-checkout lanes.

These skimmers work by surreptitiously copying data from the magnetic stripe of credit and debit cards as they are swiped at the point of sale. The stolen information is then stored on the device itself, requiring the perpetrators to physically retrieve the skimmer to access the compromised card details.

The alarming discovery was made by store employees who observed two individuals attempting to remove the device. When confronted by staff, the pair reportedly abandoned their efforts and fled the store, leaving the skimmer behind.

Now, Prichard police are working to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for placing the device. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity at the store, or who has any information related to this incident, to contact the Prichard Police Department at 251-452-2211.