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WEST FARGO, N.D. (KFGO) – The West Fargo Police Department has deployed new technology designed to detect hidden credit card skimming devices on retail checkout terminals and fuel pumps.
The initiative aims to protect consumers from financial fraud caused by skimmers and shimmers, which are illegal devices attached to card readers that steal payment data wirelessly or store it internally for scammers to retrieve later. Local retailers and convenience stores can sign up online to request visits from the department’s Investigations Unit, where detectives will sweep equipment and educate business staff on detection.
Police Chief Pete Nielsen said the proactive measures are necessary following a surge in fraud-related service calls in recent years.
“Illegal credit card skimming can have devastating impacts on innocent, law-abiding citizens who are victimized by this fraud,” Nielsen said. “This technology is another tool our department is using to keep our residents informed while taking these scam devices off the street.”
Nationwide, law enforcement personnel removed more than 400 illegal skimming devices during similar operations in 2025, preventing an estimated $428 million in potential fraud losses.
Police advise residents to visually and physically inspect point-of-sale readers, ATMs, and gas pumps before inserting a card. Consumers should check for loose, crooked, or damaged components and refrain from using any machine that appears altered. Officials added that using contactless tap-to-pay options or chip-enabled cards offers the strongest protection against skimming fraud.
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