CHRISTIANSBURG,Va. – A recent card skimming incident at the Dollar General Market in downtown Christiansburg highlights a growing threat to local consumers. The Christiansburg Police Department is alerting residents to the increasing prevalence of thes financial scams.
The FBI estimates card skimming costs cardholders and banks over $1 billion annually.Skimming devices, frequently enough hidden on card readers, capture credit and debit card details when used for purchases.
“I can’t say I’m surprised. The day and time that we live in, it’s a different world than it used to be,” said Montgomery County resident Judith Smith-Fitzwater. “And the thing is peopel just need to be aware, be very careful when they use their cards.”
The Christiansburg Police Department has been actively using its Facebook page to inform the public about these threats, influencing how residents protect their finances.
“I think our police department does an amazing job and they have their hand on things like this and get information out to the public pretty well,” said Christiansburg resident Lori Taylor. “I keep a pretty close watch on my bank account,” Taylor added, “So if something like that happens, I’ll just contact my bank or, you know, try to work that out. But it doesn’t concern me.”
Anyone who suspects their personal information has been stolen is urged to contact their local Department of Social Services and the Christiansburg Police Department.
