IDAHO FALLS – Idaho Falls Police are urging shoppers to check their finances after several fraudulent financial card scanners were discovered in Idaho Falls.

According to a news release from the Idaho Falls Police Department, officers received two reports of credit card fraud detection at Winco at 333 North Woodruff Avenue and Walmart at 500 South Utah Avenue.

These devices are placed over existing card readers and used by criminals to collect financial card information, including personal identification numbers. According to police, the devices can look very convincing and can be difficult for the layperson to recognize.

Video surveillance footage reportedly shows the skimmers being placed in the late afternoon/early evening on Saturday. Both were discovered around midday on Sunday, December 22nd.

“Anyone shopping at Winco or Walmart in Idaho Falls between Saturday evening and Sunday morning should keep a close eye on the credit or debit cards they used for their transactions,” the release said. “Fraudulent activity should be reported to your financial institution immediately. Area stores are encouraged to check their card readers for skimmers and report any devices found to law enforcement.”

Police say the suspects responsible are believed to be part of a traveling criminal group that has recently planted the devices at other stores in the Boise area and other states.

The investigation into these individuals and their criminal actions is ongoing.

If you have any information about these skimmers, contact the IFPD Emergency Operations Center at (208) 529-1200.