One Tampa Bay area law enforcement agency is stepping up its fight against credit and debit card fraud with the help of new technology aimed at detecting skimming devices.

Thanks to a grant from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, officers are now equipped with handheld skimmer detection tools designed to uncover illegal card readers hidden on gas pumps, ATMs, and other payment machines.

Detective Michael Carpenter, who leads the department’s skimmer investigations, says the devices are simple but effective. “You insert it just like a credit card. A green light means the machine is clear. A red light means there’s a skimmer, and we begin investigating,” he explained.

Skimming devices are often used by criminals to steal personal card data, which is then used for fraudulent purchases or identity theft. Carpenter said these crimes are common and difficult to solve.

“So far, we’ve checked about 50 locations. We found a device on the first day, but we couldn’t tell who placed it or what information it had. Still, removing it prevented more people from becoming victims,” he said.

Tracking down the perpetrators can be tough, Carpenter noted, because it often requires forensic evidence like fingerprints or DNA from inside the devices.

The Bradenton Police Department said officers now have access to the scanners and will use them during regular patrols or when something seems suspicious.

“It gives people peace of mind,” Carpenter said. “We’re doing what we can to make sure their card information stays safe.”

Police are also encouraging residents to take steps to protect themselves, including using digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, reviewing bank statements frequently, and signing up for account alerts to catch fraud quickly.

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