TIGARD, Ore. — Police are urging customers to monitor their bank accounts after three credit card skimming devices were discovered at Tigard stores over the weekend.
Skimmers Found at 7-Eleven and Dollar Tree Stores
The first device was reported Sunday, September 21, at the 7-Eleven on Highway 99W and Park Street. A customer noticed something suspicious on a payment terminal and alerted an employee, who immediately contacted police.
Surveillance footage indicates the device was likely installed the night before. Detectives are now reviewing the video to identify a possible suspect.
Also Read
Later that same day, a second skimmer was found at the Dollar Tree on Highway 99W and Southwest Hall Boulevard. A manager removed the device before contacting authorities.
A third device was discovered at another Dollar Tree on Highway 99W and Southwest Durham Road, also on September 21. An assistant manager removed the skimmer but did not notify police until September 23, two days later.
All three cases have been referred to the Tigard Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Unit.
Broader Pattern of Skimming Activity
The discovery of the Tigard devices comes amid reports of other skimmers turning up in the Portland metro area in recent days. Authorities say this suggests a broader pattern of activity, and investigations are ongoing.
Skimmers are small electronic devices criminals place over legitimate card readers. They capture card data when unsuspecting customers swipe their credit or debit cards. In many cases, thieves pair the skimmer with a hidden camera to record PIN entries.
Police Advice for Protecting Yourself
Tigard police are urging residents to take extra precautions when making purchases at stores or fuel stations. They recommend:
-
Use “tap” or mobile wallet payments whenever possible, which are more secure than swiping.
-
Inspect card readers for signs of tampering before use. Skimmers often look bulky, loose, or mismatched with the rest of the terminal.
-
Cover the keypad with your hand when entering a PIN to prevent hidden cameras from capturing it.
-
Monitor accounts closely, either by regularly reviewing statements or setting up real-time transaction notifications.
By catching suspicious charges quickly, consumers can alert their bank and limit financial loss.
Ongoing Investigation
Detectives are continuing to review surveillance footage and interview store employees in hopes of identifying the individuals responsible. No suspects have been publicly named.
Police are also working with other local agencies, given the possibility that the devices are linked to a larger criminal operation targeting retailers across the metro area.
For now, officials say vigilance is the best protection. “If something looks off about a payment terminal, trust your instincts and alert staff,” Tigard police advised.
