Walmart customer claims store policy cost them hundreds following a brief self-checkout visit
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Some shoppers are learning the hard way that a simple trip to the store can turn costly.
One customer says what happened after using a payment machine left her with hundreds missing from her account.
Authorities warn this type of theft can be nearly invisible—and the losses can happen in seconds.
Experts also say these incidents are happening at more than one location.
A shopper from York County says she lost about $700 after using a self-checkout machine during a weekend visit to Walmart.
She was buying items for a family trip and inserted her card into the machine.
The next morning, her husband’s card was locked at the gas station. That’s when she checked her account and found multiple charges she never made.
"It literally takes one second and they take your money in literally a second and you’re kind of just blinded by it unless you physically see this device you have no idea,” she said.
Police confirmed it was a case of card skimming, where thieves use a device to capture card numbers and PINs.
Officials believe organized crime groups may be targeting several retail locations in the area.
Card skimmers are designed to look like regular card readers, making them hard to spot.
Once data is stolen, scammers can quickly drain bank accounts or create fake cards.
Also read: Why shoppers are turning away from Walmart’s self-checkout—what’s going on?
The shopper believes Walmart’s limited acceptance of cash and lack of tap-to-pay options make it easier for scammers to strike.
“A majority of their [Walmart] check-outs don’t accept cash and none of their self-checkouts accept tap,” she said.
She explained she doesn’t usually check for skimmers, especially while shopping with her three small children.
Police in another state also reported finding a skimming device at a Walmart self-checkout. It was one of five devices found at different stores in the same area.
Officers said the device was stealing card information in real time and sending it directly to criminals. Industry experts say even chip-enabled cards can be compromised.
Also read: Walmart's new anti-theft measure at self-checkout: A step forward or a misstep?
"Scammers trick the system into asking for a swipe instead of reading the chip," said Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate.
He explained fraudsters sometimes place a fake payment terminal over the real one so the reader asks for a swipe, allowing the skimmer to capture the data instantly.
Self-checkouts and gas stations are common targets for skimmers since they’re harder to monitor.
A dimly lit gas station or a busy store lane makes it easier for criminals to install a device unnoticed.
Rossman says one sign of a skimmer is if the card reader feels loose or doesn’t fit right.
Experts recommend checking bank statements often and using credit cards instead of debit cards for better fraud protection.
Think of it as a hidden thief that attaches to ATMs or card readers, copying your card number and PIN without you noticing.
These devices are often disguised to look exactly like normal machines, making them very hard to spot. Once scammers have your details, they can create fake cards or make purchases without your permission.
Always inspect payment machines for anything that looks loose, bulky, or out of place before inserting or swiping your card. Being alert can help you avoid these sneaky devices and protect your money.
Read next: Get ready to be surprised—these everyday stores are quietly going all-in on self-checkouts
Have you ever been a victim of card skimming? Do you think stores should bring back more cash-friendly checkouts to prevent this? Would you stop using self-checkout machines after hearing stories like this? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
One customer says what happened after using a payment machine left her with hundreds missing from her account.
Authorities warn this type of theft can be nearly invisible—and the losses can happen in seconds.
Experts also say these incidents are happening at more than one location.
A shopper from York County says she lost about $700 after using a self-checkout machine during a weekend visit to Walmart.
She was buying items for a family trip and inserted her card into the machine.
The next morning, her husband’s card was locked at the gas station. That’s when she checked her account and found multiple charges she never made.
Walmart shopper loses hundreds after quick self-checkout trip, and says store policy plays a role. Image Source: Cova Software / Unsplash
"It literally takes one second and they take your money in literally a second and you’re kind of just blinded by it unless you physically see this device you have no idea,” she said.
Police confirmed it was a case of card skimming, where thieves use a device to capture card numbers and PINs.
Officials believe organized crime groups may be targeting several retail locations in the area.
Card skimmers are designed to look like regular card readers, making them hard to spot.
Once data is stolen, scammers can quickly drain bank accounts or create fake cards.
Also read: Why shoppers are turning away from Walmart’s self-checkout—what’s going on?
The shopper believes Walmart’s limited acceptance of cash and lack of tap-to-pay options make it easier for scammers to strike.
“A majority of their [Walmart] check-outs don’t accept cash and none of their self-checkouts accept tap,” she said.
She explained she doesn’t usually check for skimmers, especially while shopping with her three small children.
Police in another state also reported finding a skimming device at a Walmart self-checkout. It was one of five devices found at different stores in the same area.
Officers said the device was stealing card information in real time and sending it directly to criminals. Industry experts say even chip-enabled cards can be compromised.
Also read: Walmart's new anti-theft measure at self-checkout: A step forward or a misstep?
"Scammers trick the system into asking for a swipe instead of reading the chip," said Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate.
He explained fraudsters sometimes place a fake payment terminal over the real one so the reader asks for a swipe, allowing the skimmer to capture the data instantly.
Self-checkouts and gas stations are common targets for skimmers since they’re harder to monitor.
A dimly lit gas station or a busy store lane makes it easier for criminals to install a device unnoticed.
Rossman says one sign of a skimmer is if the card reader feels loose or doesn’t fit right.
Experts recommend checking bank statements often and using credit cards instead of debit cards for better fraud protection.
What is a skimmer device?
A skimmer device is a tool used by scammers to secretly steal credit or debit card information during a transaction.Think of it as a hidden thief that attaches to ATMs or card readers, copying your card number and PIN without you noticing.
These devices are often disguised to look exactly like normal machines, making them very hard to spot. Once scammers have your details, they can create fake cards or make purchases without your permission.
Always inspect payment machines for anything that looks loose, bulky, or out of place before inserting or swiping your card. Being alert can help you avoid these sneaky devices and protect your money.
Read next: Get ready to be surprised—these everyday stores are quietly going all-in on self-checkouts
