Walmart Stores in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, & New York Targeted by Scammer Using Skimmer Device

If you have used a debit or credit card at Walmart in the last year, you are going to want to keep an eye on your credit and banking statements.

According to an article in The Sun, a scammer has been using a skimmer device to target customers at Walmart locations in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York.

The article explains that the alleged scammer, Romario Serban, placed 19 skimming devices at Walmart stores in the northeast between July 2, 2023, and July 8, 2023.

The article explains that 27,144 credit card and 2,195 debit card numbers were collected before Walmart employees discovered the devices.  These stolen card numbers were reportedly used in over $10,000 in transactions.

On April 10th, a criminal complaint was filed against Serban.  He was later arrested in Charlotte, North Carolina.

According to law enforcement, Romario Serban was arrested for allegedly taking part in:

a fraudulent credit card skimming scheme involving 19 Walmart stores, primarily located in New York.

Because the last travel records indicated that Serban left the United States for Portugal in 2018, it is believed he had re-entered the United States illegally.

What is a skimmer device?

According to the Northwest Credit Union website, a skimmer is a device that scammers use in order to collect credit card numbers and PINs.  These devices are meant to look like they are a part of an ATM or retail card reader, so that the victim has no idea that they are being scammed.

What should you do if you believe you have been scammed?

If you believe your credit or debit card information has been stolen, Credit Karma recommends that you have your card re-issued, change the passwords for your online accounts, and monitor your accounts for fraudulent charges.

You should also report fraud through the Federal Trade Commission HERE.