Richland police release photo of skimmer suspect
By Terry Murry on Thursday, November 3rd, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UPDATE 11/03/22: The Richland Police Department reports a male suspect placed only one credit card skimmer in one of the self-checkout aisles at the Richland Walmart at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30. The device may have been operational for about 26 hours. RPD wasn’t contacted until Monday, Oct. 31 by the Walmart Loss Prevention Department. The investigation is ongoing.
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RICHLAND, WA – The Richland Police Department seeks the public’s help in identifying a man suspected of installing credit card skimmers at the local Walmart, 2801 Duportail Street. Police reported that multiple skimmer devices, used to capture debit and credit card information and the customers’ personal identification numbers, were found. However, RPD did not specify the exact date the devices were located.
The credit card skimmers recovered from the Richland Walmart were designed to fit over the top of a legitimate machine. They have since been removed and police said the incident was isolated to the Richland Walmart. RPD is not aware of any other businesses that have been affected. Police offered some tips to help keep accounts secure.
- Look at the card reader. Does it look like it’s been tampered with? Do the colors match or look out of place?
- Physically check the reader and number pad to make sure it is secured. A legitimate reader should not come apart easily.
- Check surrounding area for possible cameras pointed at the number pad and cover the pin when entering it.
- One can also use a debit card as a credit card to avoid using the PIN at many establishments.
Anyone who recognizes the subject in the above photograph or can provide information that will help identify him, is asked to call 509-628-0333.
