By Pat Culverhouse
An unknown number of debit and credit cards, including state SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) cards, may have been victimized by a skimming device discovered by Minden investigators Wednesday at a local business.
Chief of Police Jared McIver said the device, which can easily be attached to machines which accept cards, was found at only one cash register station at Minden’s Southern Market, formerly Sav-A-Lot, on East Union.
“We know approximately 1,200 SNAP cards were skimmed over the last few days, but there’s no way of knowing right now how many other credit or debit cards have been affected,” the Chief said. “The numbers could run into the thousands.”
Investigators will have to wait for billing cycles to roll around, perhaps 30 or more days, before credit and debit card holders will get a chance to view their bills, he pointed out.
“The numbers will most likely be huge,” said Det. Lt. Jason Smith, head of the MPD’s Criminal Investigation Division. “And with information we have received, there are other jurisdictions that have been hit, most likely by the same people.”
Smith said the individuals applying the skimmers used one stolen number to make a purchase at a business in Ouachita Parish around the Monroe area.
“That leads us to believe they’re traveling Interstate 20, stopping at targeted businesses and installing their devices,” Smith said. “They are most likely hitting stores like the one here…individually owned businesses in selected areas, and where security is not very strict.”
Installing the skimming device takes only a matter of seconds, and can easily be accomplished while a cashier is busy checking items or is distracted. Because of its design, the device is practically undetectable.
“This one was attached using a small amount of adhesive, so an initial tug wouldn’t dislodge it,” Smith said. “When we searched the second time and gave a good yank, it came out.”
While the investigators must wait for additional information to judge the impact on credit and debit card holders, one group of card recipients will feel an immediate—and unfortunate—blow.
“SNAP cards have money assigned only once for each month, and that’s just like cash. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. These people apparently have taken everything from each account, and those whose card was skimmed will be left without the ability to purchase food,” Smith said.
Smith said the best chance of finding the individuals responsible for the skimming lies in surveillance cameras in businesses along their chosen route.
“Another jurisdiction may have the good fortune to capture on tape the images of those individuals, their car…anything that will help identify the subjects,” he said. “We’ve already viewed many hours of tape at the local store and we’re looking at more hoping to come up with something.”
McIver suggested that anyone who may have used any type of card at Southern Market during the past month should change their PIN as a precaution.
“Card numbers are usually sold on the dark web or shipped overseas, and that might take a month or two to complete,” he said. “If individuals act quickly, it could help prevent any damaging use of that card number.”
McIver also urged anyone with information on the incident to contact Minden police at 318-371-4226. Any information received will be held in confidence.