Germantown police: Credit card skimming device found at grocery store

GERMANTOWN, Wis. - The Germantown Police Department said a credit card skimming device was found Dec. 30 at a grocery store self-checkout terminal and they're asking for the public's help to identify two men they say put it there.

Police were called to the Sendik's on Mequon Road near Pilgrim Road around 1:45 p.m. on De. 30 after the device was found after an employee discovered it. Authorities estimated the device had been in place for nearly two days.

Officials said the two unknown individuals in the image below worked together, one (dark gray jacket and glasses) created the diversion and the other (blue jacket and black hat) placed the device while making a purchase. 

"Hearing that makes me want to be more aware," said Halle Muche, a Sendik’s shopper. "That could’ve been me. I primarily use the self-checkout."

Additionally, Sendik's has audio with their surveillance and the diversion suspect can be heard speaking quietly, with what officials believe to be an eastern European or Russian-like accent.

Based on experience with such crimes, police said card skimmers are used to collect banking data for future unauthorized use – and that the people who plant them will often place other devices at nearby locations.

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Lisa Schiller is the director of investigations with the state's Better Business Bureau. She said if a card machine is loose, crooked or damaged, or the buttons are hard to press, it could be a sign.

"You want to stop right there," Schiller said. Don’t insert your card. Don’t swipe anything and obviously report it."

Check your bank or credit card statements for unusual charges and if you think your information has been compromised, don’t wait.

"We’ve been seeing this for years," Schiller said. "Absolutely report it to your local police department right away and your bank or credit card issuer as well."

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Police said they cannot confirm if the skimming device found at Sendik's compromised or collected anyone's information. Anyone who shops at the store, or nearby businesses, is encouraged to be aware of their bank account activity.

"After today, I’m going to be checking my bank account after I leave," Muche said.

If you can help Germantown police identify either of the two men in the photo in this post, you are urged to call 262-253-4830.