MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Investigators with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office’s Crime Prevention Network want to help residents avoid credit card skimmers.

According to the sheriff’s office, devices used to copy the information of a credit or debit card are now being used on ATMs.

Here are a few tips from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office:

• Pay with cash. Easier said than done sometimes, particularly if you prefer not to carry a lot of cash around. You can also consider using a gift card.
• Use a credit card, which limits your liability to $50. Stolen debit card information can give a thief direct access to the actual money in your bank account.
• Look before you swipe. At gas pumps and ATMs, inspect the card reader for any signs that it’s been tampered with, including scratches or loose-fitting hardware.
• Keep your card in sight. If you have to hand it over, at a restaurant or bar, for instance, make sure it’s a credit card (see #2, above). Also, to the extent you can, watch carefully and don’t let it disappear for a long period of time.
• Check your financial statements regularly and report any questionable transactions immediately.

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