Notice To Businesses Regarding Skimming

In recent weeks the Department of Transitional Assistance has seen a notable increase in skimming incidents affecting DTA clients.

Skimming, as you are undoubtedly aware, is a fraudulent practice wherein criminals obtain card information illegally by installing skimming devices on point-of-sale terminals or ATMs. These devices capture sensitive card data -- including card numbers and PINs -- which are then used for unauthorized transactions, leading to financial losses for customers and businesses.

Given the severity of this issue and its potential impact on our clients, it is imperative that we all take collective immediate action to address and mitigate the risks associated with skimming.

​In this regard, we respectfully urge all retailers to: 
• Conduct Regular Inspections: Ensure that all point-of-sale terminals and ATMs are routinely inspected for any signs of tampering or unauthorized devices. Encourage staff to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
• Enhance Security Measures: Consider implementing additional security measures such as tamper-evident seals, security cameras, and encryption technologies to safeguard customer data and prevent skimming attacks.
• Educate Staff and Customers: Provide training to employees on how to recognize and respond to skimming attempts. Educate customers about the importance of vigilance when using payment cards and advise them to report any suspicious transactions promptly.
• Collaborate with Law Enforcement: Work closely with local law enforcement agencies to report incidents of skimming and gather intelligence to identify and apprehend perpetrators.