highspire dollar general store skimming Several Dollar General locations across the U.S. have recently been targeted by criminals installing credit/debit card skimmers on checkout machines. These covert devices blend into card readers, harvesting sensitive card information (numbers, PINs) when unsuspecting customers make purchases:
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In Pine Island, Minnesota, authorities traced a skimmer used between December 2024 and January 2025, with one customer losing over $200 postbulletin.com+2kaaltv.com+2kaaltv.com+2.
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A device was uncovered by law enforcement in Norwich, Connecticut in September 2024 theday.com+1wtnh.com+1.
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Roanoke Rapids, NC, saw suspects placing a skimmer in late July 2024 the-sun.com+15cbs17.com+15postbulletin.com+15.
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In Macungie, PA, police posted surveillance images of a suspect allegedly installing a skimmer in April 2024 nbcphiladelphia.com+1the-sun.com+1.
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Charlotte Hall, Maryland, also had a keypad-style skimmer taped onto the self-checkout in May 2024; authorities appealed for help identifying the perpetrators southernmarylandchronicle.com+1the-sun.com+1.
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Most recently, shoppers were warned about a skimming device at a store in Sioux Falls, SD, and in George and Rock Rapids, Iowa the-sun.com+12the-sun.com+12the-sun.com+12.
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Additional reports came from Attica, Indiana, and St. Mary’s County, Maryland, in spring 2025 southernmarylandchronicle.com+2the-sun.com+2the-sun.com+2.
How Skimmers Work
These devices are often thin overlays attached over legitimate card readers and keypads, making them hard to notice. They collect:
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Magnetic stripe data during swipes
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Pin codes via concealed keypads, enabling creation of cloned cards wmdt.com+8the-sun.com+8the-sun.com+8cbs17.com
Criminals can steal card data in minutes and misuse it immediately or months later. the-sun.com+1the-sun.com+1.
How to Protect Yourself
Experts recommend the “three Ts” approach:
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Tug: Wiggle or tug at the card reader. If it shifts easily or has gaps, it may be fake the-sun.com+1the-sun.com+1.
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Tap: Use contactless or mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Skimmers can’t harvest these data theday.com+2the-sun.com+2kaaltv.com+2.
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Track: Regularly monitor account statements and set alerts. Detecting fraud early helps limit losses en.wikipedia.org+7the-sun.com+7the-sun.com+7.
Additional tipscbs17.com+14wgmd.com+14the-sun.com+14.
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Cover your hand when entering your PIN wmdt.com+10southernmarylandchronicle.com+10theday.com+10.
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Report suspicious devices or unexpected charges to store staff, your bank, and law enforcement promptly.
What to Do If You Suspect You’ve Been Skimmed
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Contact your bank immediately to freeze or cancel affected cards.
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File a police report, especially if sizable amounts are stolen—it helps investigations.
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Check all recent transactions closely for unauthorized activity.
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Replace compromised cards and update any automatic payment info tied to them.
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Consider a credit freeze or fraud alert, especially if identity theft is suspected.
Final Takeaways
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Skimmers are everywhere | Not just ATMs—point-of-sale terminals, including Dollar General, are being targeted. |
| They’re easy to install | Criminals can place these devices quickly and inconspicuously. |
| Vigilance is vital | Inspect card readers, use tap payments, and track account activity. |
| Act fast if compromised | Contact your bank, file a police report, and monitor statements closely. |
Every customer plays a role in identifying and preventing skimming fraud. Being aware and proactive can protect your finances—and alert authorities to broader criminal activity.
