Morgan Hill police intercept ‘skimmer’ devices during Tuesday night traffic stop
After the 55-year-old driver and 29-year-old passenger were stopped just north of U.S. Highway 101, near Condit Road, they were arrested and transported to the Santa Clara County Main Jail
Morgan Hill police say a sergeant discovered a “skimming” device, USB devices, memory cards and numerous gift cards during a traffic stop around 9 p.m. Tuesday.
Law enforcement officials warn that a simple credit card swipe can prove costly; skimmers are typically installed in unsuspecting places — whether at gas pumps, convenience stores or ATMs — to access and transfer personal banking information to unauthorized people.
These devices are often camouflaged on top of legitimate card readers.
After the 55-year-old driver and 29-year-old passenger were stopped just north of U.S. Highway 101, near Condit Road, investigators said both individuals provided false identification to law enforcement but were eventually determined to be from Romania.
Both suspects were arrested and transported to the Santa Clara County Main Jail, after being charged with manufacturing false identification documents, possessing burglary tools, destroying evidence and conspiracy.
The Morgan Hill Police Department recommends that residents briefly inspect payment machines, keep PIN numbers confidential and cover your PIN number when entering it.
That hasn’t stopped suspected criminals.
Similar devices have recently been found along Grand Avenue and Hegenberger Road in Oakland and Bascom Avenue in Campbell.
This investigation is ongoing, and anyone who may have information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Tony Reis at 669-253-4988.