LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – Here’s a warning for shoppers: Police say a credit card skimmer found at a Madison Heights Walmart has led to multiple cases of stolen funds, hitting EBT users especially hard.
Now, one suspect is in custody, but for some victims, the damage is already done.
For Tammy, a trip to the Walmart in Madison Heights is routine. But after one visit, she noticed something was off. Her EBT balance was wiped clean.
“I had about $400 worth of groceries, walked up to the register to scan my card, and they told me I had 24 cents on my food stamp card,” said Tammy, a Lynchburg resident.
Tammy was one of several victims after police discovered a skimming device installed at the Walmart in Madison Heights. Investigators later found more skimmers in Lynchburg and other jurisdictions. The devices were capturing card information.
“By 2:33 a.m. they started stealing my food stamps and until 2:38 a.m. my whole total was gone,” said Tammy.
Lynchburg Police worked with the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies, eventually identifying a suspect.
“Our partners at Walmart have great cameras that not only lead us to a suspect but also to the suspect’s vehicle,” said Katie Jennings, Crime Prevention Specialist with the Lynchburg Police Department.
Florin Doroiman, a Romanian national, was arrested and charged with installing the device in Madison Heights.
Police warn shoppers to be extra cautious when swiping their cards.
“These devices are super easy unfortunately to install. They slip right over the payment terminals that are already in place, you can find them at gas terminals, or self checkouts, or even at the checkout where there is a cashier,” said Jennings. “So if your card doesn’t have a chip or the ability to tap to pay, then you are forced to use the strip and unfortunately that’s where these skimmers are getting that information,” said Jennings.
Tammy reported her stolen funds to police, but she says EBT couldn’t reimburse her. She says she would like to see a change in the EBT cards.
“I would definitely like to see if they could put chips on these cards. Food stamp cards only have the back strip that’s it,” said Tammy.
If you think your card has been compromised, police urge you to contact them.
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