I just received this notice from Redbox and wanted to get it out ASAP:
A few days ago redbox detected and removed an illegal credit card skimming device at one of our 7,400 locations. At the same time, redbox also discovered evidence of skimming attempts in two other locations. Skimming involves the placement of an illegal device above the credit/debit card reader on a vending machine, ATM, or in this case a redbox. These devices are used to illegally read or store personal credit card information. Redbox is not aware of any fraudulent activity or transactions using our customers’ accounts and does all it can to minimize the risk of this happening.
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Although there is no evidence currently that these skimming attempts were successful, consumer security is a top priority for redbox. Reviewing transaction records, there is a possibility that up to 150 customers may have been affected. Although only a small percentage of the millions of customers who use redbox each month, redbox has notified the major credit card companies so that they can monitor the situation. The redbox team is also working with local authorities to investigate the incidents and ensure your security.
If you suspect this has happened at your location, please contact Redbox immediately by calling 1-866-REDBOX3.
You can read the full alert here, including answers to FAQs about credit card skimming and photos of the illegal credit card skimming devices.
As Redbox said, this is a concern they are aware of and there is likely no reason for alarm from any of us, but its always good to be informed.
If you want to make sure your credit is safe, you can take a look at your detailed credit report for free and be sure you were not affected by this.
So, has anyone ever seen this before?
I appreciate that Redbox is doing a general alert, but it would be helpful if they would disclose the locations and approximate dates.
They should also include a link to the alert in the kiosk menu if they haven’t already. Best way to make it public.
1101 South Rural Road, Tempe, AZ (device removed before retrieval by perpetrator)
– 1620 El Paseo Road, Las Cruces, NM (evidence of skimming attempt)
– 2330 East Lohman Avenue, Las Cruces, NM (evidence of skimming attempt)
see http://www.redbox.com/creditcardsecurity/ Updated: 8:31 p.m. Central Time, April 4, 2008