The local RCMP have issued a warning to business owners and the public in regards to a skimming operation that has made its way to Cochrane.
It is believed that a fast food location in the community was targeted at the point-of-sale terminal (the debit or credit card keypad) and was compromised, according to a statement released by Cpl. Brad White of the Cochrane RCMP detachment Aug. 29.
It is estimated that at least 130 individuals were victims of fraud or attempted fraud in this skimming operation, said White.
Cpl. Troy Savinkoff of Cochrane RCMP said the investigation surrounding the skimming operation is ongoing and the exact location of the incident has yet to be confirmed. The names of any affected businesses have not been released publicly.
The media release encouraged business owners to secure these terminals so the equipment is difficult to remove. In addition, businesses are advised to examine terminals regularly for any evidence of tampering and to keep an eye out for people who enter a business in small groups — these groups will attempt to distract the employee and swap out terminals.
The information retrieved through these skimming devices is used to create fraudulent debit and credit cards on an international level, according to the RCMP release.
