How Walmart is taking care of 'fraud problem' at self-checkout machines

Walmart has updated its self-checkout machines with bright yellow rims around PIN pads in response to a rise in card-skimming incidents. The modification is aimed at preventing fraud by making it more difficult for criminals to install illegal skimming devices on the machines. The change was first highlighted by a Reddit user named matteo360, who posted a photo on the Walmart subreddit. The user quoted their manager jokingly, calling the new feature a “chastity belt” for the PIN pad. The update follows reports of skimming scams at various Walmart locations, prompting both customers and employees to raise concerns about payment security at self-checkout stations. Take a looka at the Reddit post here:



What are card skimming scams and how it target Walmart customers

According to the FBI, a skimmer is a card reader disguised to appear as a legitimate part of a payment terminal. These devices are designed to steal personal information such as card numbers and PIN codes, which can then be used to create counterfeit cards, conduct unauthorised transactions, or commit identity theft.

A newly developed tool, nicknamed the “chastity belt,” reportedly offers protection for both the keypad and the card terminal, helping to guard against skimmers. In response to rising incidents of card skimming, some Walmart locations have even removed self-checkout stations entirely.

To detect potential tampering, users should inspect self-checkout machines for signs of interference. Common indicators include card readers that appear loose, off-centre, or have parts that wiggle. A keypad that is unusually thick or features inconsistent colours may also suggest tampering.

Skimmers frequently target gas pumps and ATMs as well. Additionally, hackers may install tiny cameras near the PIN pad to capture PIN codes, so it is recommended that customers cover the keypad when entering their PIN.

If the red security tape on a payment machine is missing or damaged, it could indicate that the device has been tampered with and should be reported.


What users said about Walmart’s latest measure to prevent card skimming

Commenting on the Reddit post, one user wrote: “I think this might be protecting the reader from people attaching skimmers.”

“An apt comparison, as it is designed to protect against skimmers,” another user added.

Meanwhile, a third used even pointed out that this option is an improvement over Walmart’s existing protector. The user wrote: “This design looks a bit better and more involved than just the little rectangle with our logo on it, to the side. I like this better.”