Police in Weathersfield Township are investigating after a card skimmer was discovered attached to an ATM at a gas station.

According to a police report, officers were dispatched to the Petro truck stop on Friday afternoon.

An employee of a company hired to replace the ATM told police that he noticed the skimmer partially detached while switching out the machine. He stated that when he pulled on a corner of the device, it came off in his hand.

The skimmer was collected by police and will be entered into evidence. A Petro employee was advised to inform any customers who report fraudulent ATM withdrawals that a police report has been filed.

Authorities have not yet indicated if any customer data was compromised.

The U.S. Secret Service, the federal agency tasked with investigating financial crimes, offers the following tips to help individuals detect ATM skimmers:

• Examine the card reader slot: Look for anything loose, crooked, damaged, or bulky. Try wiggling the card reader; if it moves excessively, it may have been tampered with.
• Inspect the keypad: Check if the keypad is overly thick or spongy. Skimmers may place a fake keypad over the real one to record PINs.
• Look for hidden cameras: Skimmers often work in conjunction with small cameras designed to record PIN entries. These cameras can be hidden in various places, such as above the keypad, on the side of the ATM, or even inside fake advertising panels.
• Be wary of unusual signage: Look for stickers or signs that seem out of place or don't align with the ATM's usual appearance. These could be used to cover up skimming devices or cameras.
• Use ATMs in familiar and well-lit locations: ATMs in dimly lit or less frequented areas may be more vulnerable to tampering.
• Shield your PIN: When entering your PIN, use your hand or body to shield the keypad from potential hidden cameras.
• Monitor your bank accounts regularly: Check your statements frequently for any unauthorized transactions.
• Report suspicious activity: If you notice anything unusual about an ATM, do not use it and immediately notify the bank or financial institution and local law enforcement.