The Montgomery Township Police Department announced that officers recovered a credit card skimming device on May 16.

According to the report, the device was installed on a cash register credit card terminal at the Assi Plaza International Food Store located at 1222 Welsh Road in North Wales.

A skimming device allows criminals to record the information from the magnetic strip on a debit/credit card and subsequently create a duplicate card. The criminals also install a pinhole camera, which records when you enter your PIN number, the department said.

“At this time, it is unknown how long the device was on the machine,” the report said. “It only takes seconds to install a skimming device. Criminals often distract store employees to accomplish this. To protect yourself from becoming a victim of credit card skimming, it is recommended that you visually inspect the ATM for suspicious modifications prior to use and cover up the keypad when entering your PIN. If you observe any unauthorized activity on your accounts, contact your bank and local police department.”

Photos: MTPD