Market Basket Credit Card Security Issues in Stores

Author

Reads 1.1K

Side view of crop faceless male passenger sitting on backseat and using credit card reader to pay for trip in taxi
Credit: pexels.com, Side view of crop faceless male passenger sitting on backseat and using credit card reader to pay for trip in taxi

Using your Market Basket credit card in-store can be a convenient way to make purchases, but it also raises some security concerns. The card's magnetic stripe can be easily skimmed or cloned by unauthorized individuals, allowing them to make unauthorized transactions.

In stores, it's essential to keep a close eye on your card and the cashier handling it. The article notes that some employees have been known to use their own devices to swipe cards, increasing the risk of data breaches.

To minimize the risk of your card being compromised, consider using alternative payment methods, such as cash or debit cards, for small purchases. This can help reduce the amount of sensitive information being processed in-store.

Credit Card Skimming Devices Found

Credit card skimming devices have been found at 5 Market Basket locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

The devices were discovered at Market Basket supermarkets in Concord and Nashua, New Hampshire, and Haverhill, Reading, and Somerville in Massachusetts.

Credit: youtube.com, Credit card skimmer found at Chelsea Market Basket

Thieves placed the skimming devices over the card readers, potentially stealing sensitive information from customers who swiped their cards.

The skimmers jam the chip readers, forcing customers to swipe their cards, which then allows the thieves to steal the magnetic strip information.

This information is usually sold to a third party or the black market, where it's used to duplicate the cards and make purchases.

Surveillance images of potential suspects have been released by Concord Police, showing individuals wearing surgical masks and Scally caps.

These suspects are believed to be working in groups, targeting busy stores, especially during peak shopping seasons.

If you shopped at these stores during the last two weeks of October, it's a good idea to check your bank statements for any suspicious activity.

To protect yourself, check the top of the machine itself, give it a tug, and if there's an actual skimming device on there, it will pop off.

Credit Card Skimmers Found

Credit: youtube.com, Chelsea Market Basket shoppers targeted by credit card skimmer

Credit card skimmers were found at 5 Market Baskets in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Police in five communities are investigating after thieves placed skimming devices on credit and debit card readers at Market Basket supermarkets in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The locations where the devices were found are in Concord and Nashua, New Hampshire, and Haverhill, Reading, and Somerville in Massachusetts.

You should check the top of the machine itself, give it a tug, and if there's an actual skimming device on there, it will actually pop off. The magnetic strip on the cards contain sensitive information, which is then usually sold to a third party or the black market.

It's usually a group working the area and targeting busy stores, especially this time of year when consumers typically spend a lot of money.

In Stores

You can find credit card skimmers at gas stations and ATMs, often hidden in plain sight.

They can be attached to the card reader or inserted into the existing slot, making them nearly undetectable.

Credit: youtube.com, How to spot credit card skimmers hidden inside grocery stores, ATMs and gas stations

Some skimmers are as small as a deck of cards, while others can be quite large.

In one case, a skimmer was discovered at a gas station that was 2 inches thick and 6 inches wide.

Be sure to inspect the card reader before inserting your card, looking for any signs of tampering or unusual attachments.

Check for loose screws or uneven edges, as these can indicate a skimmer is present.

If you're unsure, it's always best to use an alternate ATM or gas station.

At Stores

Credit card skimmers can be found at stores with ATMs and credit card machines.

They're often installed by thieves who attach them to the existing card reader.

Some skimmers can be removed and reused, while others are designed to be more permanent.

You might notice a skimmer if the card reader feels thicker than usual or if it's not securely attached.

Be cautious when using ATMs and credit card machines at stores, especially if they're located in isolated areas or at night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Market Basket have a loyalty card?

Yes, Market Basket offers a loyalty card called Basket Bucks, which can be picked up at any Market Basket location. Joining the program can lead to big savings all year long.

Archie Strosin

Senior Writer

Archie Strosin is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a deep interest in financial institutions. His work often delves into the history and operations of Missouri-based banks, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of their roles in the local economy. A particular focus of his research is on Dickinson Financial Corporation and Armed Forces Bank, tracing their origins and evolution over the decades.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.