Boston Police Issue Alert on ATM and POS Skimming Devices
The Boston Police Department has issued a community alert regarding ATM and Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal skimming. Criminals are installing hidden devices on these terminals to steal card information, with incidents reported at various retail locations. A specific skimming device was…
Boston, MA, August 13, 2026 —
The Boston Police Department has released a community alert to warn the public about an increase in ATM and Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal skimming incidents. Authorities report that criminals are employing hidden devices on these machines to unlawfully capture customer card information.
These skimming devices are surreptitiously attached to legitimate card readers. Once installed, they can capture sensitive data, including card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes, when customers use their cards at the compromised terminals. The stolen information can then be used for fraudulent transactions.
The alert indicates that incidents have been reported across various retail locations within the city. Law enforcement is urging residents to be vigilant and to carefully inspect ATM and POS terminals before use.
A specific instance of this criminal activity was documented on August 13, 2026. A skimming device was discovered attached to an ATM located at a 7-Eleven convenience store in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston. The discovery prompted further investigation by the Boston Police Department.
While the alert does not provide details on the total number of affected locations or the estimated financial impact, it emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness. Police advise individuals to pay close attention to any unusual features on card readers, such as loose parts or unfamiliar attachments. Additionally, checking for wobbly card slots or any taped-on devices can help in identifying potential skimmers.
The Boston Police Department encourages anyone who suspects they have encountered a skimming device or has had their card information compromised to report it immediately to the police and their financial institution.
Story summarized from the original created by Media Relations on police.boston.gov, see more information here.
