As the digital age advances, so do the tactics of cybercriminals, and Mercer County is unfortunately witnessing this first-hand. Recently, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Task Force was spotlighted due to a viral video revealing the presence of two overlay skimmer devices. These treacherous devices were unearthed at the 7-Eleven on 559 Lalor Street, a location known for its bustling traffic near the Trenton/Hamilton border.

Skimmer Alert in Mercer County

The local community felt a jolt when Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey disclosed that the skimmers were located on Monday morning and expedited to the United States Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force laboratory for detailed forensic analysis. While the physical recovery of the skimmers spells a temporary sigh of relief, residents are urged to remain vigilant.

Safeguarding Your Transactions

In light of these discoveries, Mercer County officials have disseminated a series of proactive measures to safeguard personal financial information. According to RLS Media, these tips can be instrumental in protecting oneself from potential financial threats.

  • Examining Card Readers: Prior to using ATMs or POS (Point of Sale) terminals, inspect card readers for irregularities such as loosening, damage, or misalignment. Any anomaly should raise a red flag.
  • PIN Security: Always shield your PIN when keying it in, and test for suspicious keypad overlays. Hidden cameras may lurk to capture sensitive data.

Prioritize Financial Security

Additional recommended practices include leveraging credit cards over debit cards, particularly in risky environments like tourist areas and closely monitoring account activities. Implementing features like multi-factor authentication and frequent alerts can be a lifeline in detecting unauthorized actions.

Contacting Authorities

For any Mercer County residents suspecting compromised card information, authorities have provided an open line of communication. Reach out promptly to Sergeant Edward Hughes of the Mercer County Cyber Crimes Task Force at [email protected]. Authorities emphasize the paramount importance of these preventative steps, despite their seeming inconvenience.

In this age of heightened technological risks, being aware and informed can mean the difference between secure finances and potential loss. The call to action is clear: Stay alert, be proactive, and safeguard your digital footprint.