LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 30, 2024) – A suspected skimming device was discovered on a debit/credit card machine at the Dollar General Store located at 30547 Potomac Way, Charlotte Hall, Maryland. Deputy Anthony Cucinotta responded to the report on Sunday, May 26, 2024, after an employee of the store noticed the device.
The employee reported that the machine at one of the registers had been malfunctioning on May 25. Upon inspection, a plastic piece resembling the keypad was found taped over the machine's actual keypad. The initial investigation indicated that this piece was deliberately placed to deceive and defraud customers.
Surveillance footage from May 24, at approximately 11:51 a.m., showed two individuals entering the store. They separated, with one of them attaching the device to the machine. Both suspects then exited the store and left on foot.
The individual who placed the skimming device is described as a white or possibly biracial male with bushy hair, a dark mustache, a dark-colored tattoo on the left side of his neck, and a piercing in his left ear. The second individual is described as a white or Middle Eastern male with darker skin, long dark hair, and a goatee.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspects or the incident to contact Lieutenant Ed Evans at 301-475-4200, ext. 8018, or via email at Edward.Evans@stmaryscountymd.gov.
Customers who made purchases at Dollar General in Charlotte Hall between May 24 and 26 are advised to check their bank or credit card statements for any fraudulent activity. If any suspicious transactions are detected, they should contact the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number at 301-475-8008 to file a report.
In a related advisory, consumers are reminded to take precautions when using debit or credit card machines. This includes inspecting card readers for any unusual attachments, covering the keypad when entering PIN numbers, and regularly monitoring bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
For more information on how to protect yourself from skimming devices, visit the Federal Trade Commission's website or contact your local law enforcement agency.
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