South Lake Tahoe, Calif. – March 7, 2024 – In a disconcerting revelation, a second credit and debit card skimming device has been discovered affixed to a point-of-sale (POS) system at a South Lake Tahoe 7-11. The unsettling find was made by a vigilant customer at the Emerald Bay Road location who promptly reported the device to the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD).
The SLTPD has initiated an investigation into the matter, following a similar incident reported last week at the 7-11 on Pioneer Trail. Detective units are currently scrutinizing surveillance footage obtained from the store in an effort to trace the culprits behind the illicit installations.
The customer who uncovered the skimming device, Jamie Hicks, had previously alerted SLTPD about a similar occurrence, believing the issue had been resolved. However, upon revisiting the store on March 6, Hicks was astonished to find the skimmer still in operation, prompting another immediate call to law enforcement.
Skimming devices specifically tailored for 7-11 POS systems have been identified across the country, demonstrating a disturbing trend. These clandestine devices, often camouflaged to resemble authentic components with fake lights and keypads, are designed to surreptitiously capture credit and debit card information.
SLTPD Sergeant Nick Carlquist urges vigilance from the public, advising anyone who suspects a skimmer to promptly contact the store manager. Store personnel, he emphasizes, possess an intimate knowledge of their machines and can swiftly involve law enforcement if necessary.
“The store owners and managers know what is abnormal,” Carlquist stated.
The current surge in fake skimmer incidents appears to be concentrated around 7-11 locations, suggesting a targeted campaign. While physical forensics on the devices are challenging due to widespread fingerprint contamination, digital forensics efforts are underway as part of the ongoing investigation.
Considering the ease with which skimmers can be discreetly attached to POS systems, especially when thieves are familiar with 7-11 machinery, authorities warn of the potential for distracted clerks falling victim to the illicit installations.
As a precaution, individuals who have used their debit or credit cards at either South Lake Tahoe 7-11 location in the past two weeks are urged to monitor their accounts for any unauthorized transactions. Concerned citizens are encouraged to report any tips or suspicious activity to SLTPD via email at cybertips@cityofslt.us.
In the face of this emerging threat, heightened awareness and swift reporting are essential to thwarting the efforts of these digital pickpockets preying on unsuspecting consumers.
