NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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Detectives from the 3 District (Welland/Pelham) office of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) are investigating two incidents of credit card skimming in Welland.
On Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, the NRPS began an investigation into a card skimming incident, which occurred at a commercial vehicle re-fueling site in the area of Lincoln Street East and Dunkirk Road. The device was discovered by a customer and reported to employees who removed the device.
On Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, a second card reading device and a camera were discovered by an employee at the same location. Two suspects were photographed. The suspects maybe related to a white older model Ford F250 pickup truck with an extended cab, and a white cap on the bed. The passenger window will have numbers marked on it.
The investigating officers are asking for the public assistance in identifying the following male suspects (see photos).
Suspect 1:
- Tan male
- Black beard
- Approximately 30 years-of-age
- 5’10” to 6’0” feet in height
- Medium build
- Eyeglasses.
Suspect 1 was wearing:
- Black hoodie with the hood up
- Black pants with a white stripe down the sides
- Black shoes.
Suspect 2:
- Tanned skin male
- Approximately 5’10” to 6’0” feet in height
- Medium build
Suspect 2 was wearing:
- Black jacket with the hood up and red accenting on the shoulders and a red “Air Jordan” logo.
- Black gloves (which are later removed)
- Black shoes
- Black baseball hat
- Grey sweatpants with black accenting on the pockets
- Neck warmer with the New York Yankees logo on it.
Anyone with information relating to this matter is urged to call the Welland Detective Office at 905-688-4111 ext. 1009700 or ext. 1023320.
Information on crimes can also be submitted anonymously using Crime Stoppers of Niagara. To leave an anonymous tip, please contact Crime Stoppers via:
Telephone - 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
Online - www.niagaratips.com
Text - 274637(CRIMES), keyword Niagara, then your tip.
Crime awareness tips to help you protect yourself from credit card skimmers:
- Inspect Card Readers: Before using an ATM or card reader, inspect it for any signs of tampering. Look for loose parts, mismatched colors, or anything that seems out of place.
- Use Trusted Locations: Whenever possible, use ATMs and card readers at reputable banks or businesses. These locations are less likely to have been tampered with by criminals.
- Cover PIN Entry: When entering your PIN at an ATM or card reader, use your other hand or body to shield the keypad from view. This can prevent criminals from stealing your PIN along with your card information.
- Check for Bluetooth Signals: Skimmers often use Bluetooth technology to transmit stolen data to nearby devices. Periodically check your smartphone for unexpected Bluetooth connections while at an ATM or gas pump.
- Monitor Account Activity: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity to your bank or card issuer immediately.
- Use Contactless Payment: Consider using contactless payment methods, such as mobile wallets or tap-to-pay cards, which can be more secure than traditional magnetic stripe cards.
- Report Suspected Skimming Devices: If you suspect that a card reader has been tampered with or you encounter any suspicious activity, report it to the business owner or the appropriate authorities immediately. Your vigilance could help prevent others from falling victim to credit card skimming scams.
- Suspicious People and Cameras Nearby: The illegal skimmer may capture the card information, but a criminal may also be trying to learn your PIN code. They can do this concealing a small video camera nearby, seeing it in person or installing a device over the keypad. Be vigilant to your surroundings.
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