Bradenton Police Receive New Tools to Combat Credit Card Skimming
The Bradenton Police Department has intensified its efforts to combat credit card fraud with the aid of new detection devices designed to identify card skimmers.
Financial Crimes and Elder Fraud detectives were recently equipped with the specialized devices through a grant provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The new technology will help officers identify illegal skimming equipment, which is often hidden on ATMs, gas pumps, and retail point-of-sale systems.
Card skimmers are small, discreet devices that criminals attach to legitimate payment terminals to steal credit and debit card information. The data can then be used to make unauthorized purchases or sold on the black market.
The department is also encouraging residents to take preventive steps to protect themselves. Using digital payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Pay can offer added protection, as these platforms encrypt payment data and reduce the risk of information being intercepted.
Officials also urge the public to routinely monitor their bank statements and consider setting up transaction alerts with their financial institutions. Promptly reporting suspicious activity can help reduce losses and assist law enforcement in identifying fraud trends.
The Bradenton Police Department plans to deploy the new devices during routine checks throughout the city as part of a broader strategy to reduce financial crime and protect vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly.