Newtown Township police said late Thursday night that the investigation into the thieves who obtained debit card information from locals has been handed over to the Department of Homeland Security.
The investigation that started in summer has ping-ponged between local and state police in recent months before being handed over to federal authorities.
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Police said in August that there were more than 50 victims, including some from Langhorne Borough and Middletown.
Police said they believe a debit card skimmer was placed at the Tiger Mart at the Exxon in Langhorne.
Since the investigation came to light in summer, police have said they did not find a skimmer but the way victims’ debit card information was taken had lead them to suspect a skimming device was used.
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The skimmer is suspected of “only being in place for a few days,” police said.
The data from the skimmers was used by thieves to make purchases in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, investigators told LevittownNow.com in August.
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In late July, a LevittownNow.com reader and victim of the thieves tipped off the publication after her debit card was used in the area for fraudulent charges totaling over $1,500.
The FBI has the following tips on how to avoid card skimmers:
- Inspect the ATM, gas pump, or credit card reader before using it. Be suspicious if you see anything loose, crooked, or damaged, or if you notice scratches or adhesive/tape residue.
- When entering your PIN, block the keypad with your other hand to prevent possible hidden cameras from recording your number.
- If possible, use an ATM at an inside location (less access for criminals to install skimmers).
- Be careful of ATMs in tourist areas. They are a popular target of skimmers.
- If your card isn’t returned after the transaction or after hitting “cancel,” immediately contact the financial institution that issued the card.
