The Prosecutor's Office has received information relative to a Credit Card Fraud which utilizes a small device, about the size of a beeper, to steal data from unsuspecting credit card users.

This procedure is referred to as "Skimming." When illegal skimming takes place, credit cards are swiped for legitimate purchases such as at a service station or restaurant and, without the card holder's knowledge, the credit card is then swiped through a second reader (Skimmer). The data on the magnetic stripe of the credit card such as card holder's name, address, telephone number, card number, credit limit and PIN Number is then electronically captured and re-encoded onto the magnetic stripe of a plain plastic card which could then be used to make illegal purchases or cash withdrawals.

The individual doing the Skimming, usually an employee of the establishment, is paid either a flat fee or on a per card basis for the information.

The Skimmer, which is battery operated, has a blank button which when depressed erases all entered data thus eliminating any evidence which could be utilized for criminal prosecution.