Scammers have been making headlines this fall. Between skimming devices found at local stores to imposter telephone calls pretending to be from the local sheriff’s department, they’ve been busy trying to separate you from your money.

Most people have heard about skimmers installed on pay-at-the pump terminals, and some banks even encourage people to actually walk inside to pay to avoid becoming a victim.

But there are other ways skimmers can steal your money. According to the FBI, they have even been found at banks or free-standing ATMs.

Recently, local police departments have been investigating reports of skimming devices discovered at several Cumberland Farms convenience stores. The most common skimming devices are small, made of plastic, and easily installed over card readers at point-of-sale terminal. (Point-of-sale simply means the place a consumer makes a financial transaction.) The FBI warns that it can take just seconds to install a skimming device.

Wherever you encounter these devices, it’s important to know they can steal the data from both debit or credit cards when you swipe or insert them.

In addition to the skimming device, small, concealed cameras may be installed nearby or on the gas pump or ATM to record the customer typing their PIN (personal identification number) into the keypad. Sometimes an overlay is installed on top of the keypad to record the keystrokes when the customer enters their PIN.

So, how can you tell if the card reader or ATM has been compromised? The FBI advises consumers to look for signs of tampering. Is there anything that looks loose, crooked, damaged, or scratched on the card reader or keypad? Do you see glue or adhesives on the card reader? Pull at the edges of the keypad or card reader to check for an overlay or skimming device. Does the keypad feel strange or different? Loose wires on a free-standing ATM can also be a sign of tampering.

Don’t use it if you notice anything unusual. If you suspect a skimming device has been installed, report it to the bank or business. If you have swiped your card already, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report your suspicions.

Here are some additional steps consumers can take as a precaution to avoid credit and debit cards from being compromised:

*When entering your PIN, cover the keypad as much as possible with your free hand and lean in to block the view of a camera or bystander.

*If you are using a debit card, choose the credit card option on the keypad if possible. Tap to pay may be safer than swiping or inserting your card if the skimmer has been installed over the card reader. Know that if your debit card is linked to more than one account, such as both your checking and savings account, scammers could gain access to both using a skimming device. Using a credit card may be a safer option because the money doesn’t get taken out of your bank account until you pay your bill.

*If possible, set email or text-message alerts to notify you of your account transactions so you can catch any fraudulent charges or withdrawals quickly.

*If your credit card, debit card or PIN is lost or stolen, report it immediately to stop any unauthorized transactions and to prevent your bank account from being drained.

*And finally, it’s always a good idea to go over credit card and bank statements as soon as you receive them. That way, you can report any fraudulent charges or debits immediately. Your liability for fraudulent charges increases over time. For example, you have up to 60 days to report any unauthorized charges to your credit card. If you wait longer than that, you may not be able to get your money back.

A sheriff’s warning

Meanwhile, another scam targeting local people has been reported this summer and fall. Hampshire County residents have reported a rash of calls purporting to be from the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office.

In fact, these callers are trying to steal money or personal information. Hampshire County Sheriff Patrick Cahillane became so concerned about this he issued a public warning about an imposter phone scam. Callers claiming to be employees from the sheriff’s office, or their Civil Process Division, tell residents that they have missed a court appearance, or some appointment at the jail. The caller then asks for personal information like email addresses and Social Security numbers. Some imposters demand money or payments by Bitcoin.

The Hampshire Sheriff’s Office – and other law enforcement agencies – don’t make calls asking for payments or personal information. Scammers often use a local area code and telephone number to get you to answer the phone, which prompts Sheriff Cahillane to advise that if you receive a call from a number you don’t recognize, don’t answer it. If you answer a call that seems suspicious, hang up immediately. If you receive a call from someone who says they represent the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, call their office at 413-584-5911 to report it. Additionally, any suspicious calls from other law enforcement agencies should be reported to that agency.

If you have a consumer question or would like to discuss a suspicious call or message you have received, you may call the Consumer Protection Unit in Greenfield at 413-774-3186 or Northampton at 413-586-9225.

Anita Wilson is the director of the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office Consumer Protection Unit, which is a Local Consumer Program working in cooperation with the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General.