Richland County Sheriff's Office

Skimmer Device – Press Release

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RICHLAND CENTER POLICE DEPARTMENT
Press Release
March 29, 2017
For Immediate Release

Chief of Police Lucas Clements reports that the police department received several debit card fraud complaints over the past weekend. Each complaint involved debit card numbers and their associated PIN being stolen and then used fraudulently on a cloned debit card.

This type of crime and method is consistent with thieves using a “skimmer” device that can be used to obtain credit or debit card information. The use of “skimmers” has become more common across the country in recent years, with “skimmers” typically being placed inside gas pumps, making them undetectable without opening the pump.

After the thieves place the “skimmer” inside a gas pump, they return after a period of time and remove the device and or simply collect the data, which consists of the credit or debit card information from customers paying at the pump.

While investigating the rash of debit card fraud complaints, Chief Clements states the police department contacted our local gas stations to assist in checking for “skimmer” devices. As a result, one “skimmer” device was located at Triangle Kwik Stop (TKS) on Sextonville Road and removed by law enforcement. No additional “skimmers” were located within the city.

TKS has added additional anti-tampering security features and monitoring to each of their pumps, there isn’t a concern of further accounts being compromised. [Read more…]

Richland County Law Enforcement Agencies Investigating Fraud Complaints

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The Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Richland Center Police Department report that the two departments are investigating multiple fraud complaints involving identity theft and debit card fraud.
It appears that debit card numbers along with pin numbers have been compromised when the cards were used at area businesses recently.  Fraudulent purchases and withdrawals have been reported by local residents.

Law Enforcement recommends you monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious account activity to your financial institution and your local law enforcement. Law Enforcement also recommends when using your debit card, take care to shield your PIN number.

Authorities Working to Identify 2 Men in Richland County Fraud Case

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On March 25, 2017 the Richland County Sheriff’s Department took a fraud complaint from a party in Richland County. The reporting party advised that her debit card was used to make fraudulent purchases at seven different Wal-Mart stores.  The incident happened on March 24, 2017 for approximately $850 dollars. Purchases were made from the Sun Prairie, Madison West & East, Stoughton, Baraboo and Lake Delton Wal-Mart stores. Law enforcement was able to get photos of two suspect parties and their vehicle. Both suspect parties are male Hispanics in their late 20’s and early 30’s. The suspect vehicle is a newer white Hummer with unknown plate.

If you are able to identify either suspect party or have other information regarding this complaint please contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at 608-647-2106.