CHICAGO — A routine visit to a Dollar General store on Chicago’s Southwest Side turned into a public safety concern after authorities discovered suspicious devices attached to cash registers on Wednesday afternoon, triggering an immediate investigation into potential skimming or surveillance activity.
According to Chicago Police Department (CPD) officials, the incident occurred at the Dollar General located at the 6100 block of South Archer Avenue, where store staff notified law enforcement after noticing unusual electronic equipment attached to two checkout terminals.
Store Staff Alert Authorities After Noticing Unusual Equipment
The discovery was made around 1:45 p.m., when a store associate cleaning the checkout area spotted what appeared to be small, black, wired devices attached underneath the card reader panel. These devices were not part of the store’s payment processing hardware, prompting immediate concern from the staff.
Police arrived at the scene within minutes and evacuated the store as a precaution. The suspicious items were removed for examination by the Bomb and Arson Unit, although no explosive materials were found.
“We always encourage vigilance, and in this case, the store staff did exactly what they were supposed to do,” said CPD spokesperson Officer Alex Muñoz. “While the devices weren’t dangerous in a physical sense, their presence suggests possible attempts at electronic fraud or data theft.”
Devices Believed to Be Card Skimmers
After a preliminary investigation, authorities now believe the suspicious devices were card skimmers—electronic tools designed to illegally collect information from debit or credit cards used during checkout.
Card skimmers can be discreetly installed and are often hard to detect by the average customer. These devices collect magnetic stripe data from cards when they are swiped, allowing criminals to clone the cards or make unauthorized purchases.
“Given the location and nature of the devices, we are treating this as an attempted data breach,” said Detective Sandra Elkins, who is leading the investigation. “We urge anyone who made purchases at this location recently to monitor their bank accounts for unusual activity.”
For more details about card skimming and how to protect yourself, read this FBI resource on skimming fraud
Investigation Underway: Were Customers Affected?
While the exact number of customers potentially affected remains unknown, investigators are now working with Dollar General corporate headquarters to obtain recent transaction logs and surveillance footage from the store.
“We’re assisting the authorities in every way possible,” said a spokesperson for Dollar General in a statement. “The safety of our customers and the integrity of our operations are our top priorities.”
Police have not confirmed whether the devices were actively collecting data at the time they were found, nor how long they had been in place. Digital forensics experts are now analyzing the devices to determine if customer data was stored or transmitted.
This isn’t the first time Dollar General has faced security challenges at its stores. CNBC reported earlier that the retail chain has been increasing security spending after several incidents of theft and fraud.
What You Should Do if You Recently Shopped There
If you shopped at the South Archer Avenue Dollar General in the past two weeks, the CPD advises the following steps:
- Check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions
- Contact your bank immediately if you notice suspicious activity
- Report potential fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Consider replacing your debit or credit cards as a precaution
Also, be cautious when using card readers, especially in retail stores or gas stations. If you notice anything loose or unusual about a terminal, ask a staff member to check before using your card.
For more advice on staying safe during in-store purchases, visit FTC’s Card Skimming Safety Page
Community Reaction and Concerns
Local residents expressed concern over the incident, citing increasing cases of fraud in the area. Many customers who frequently visit the store said they now feel uneasy.
“It’s really scary to think that something like this could happen in a place we trust,” said Maria Sanchez, a neighborhood resident. “We’re all just trying to save a few bucks, and now we have to worry about our bank info being stolen.”
Alderman Ray Lopez, who represents part of the area, commented on the situation via social media, saying:
“We need more routine inspections and better technology to protect working families from electronic theft. I’ll be pushing for greater oversight in retail security.”
Police Asking for Public Assistance
The Chicago Police Department is asking the public for any information related to this incident. If you noticed suspicious individuals around the registers or any tampering with the card machines, you’re urged to contact Area One Detectives at (312) 747-8380.
“Small tips from the public can help solve cases like this,” said Officer Muñoz. “Even minor details can make a major difference.”
Ongoing Efforts to Improve Retail Security
Experts say this incident highlights the need for retailers to regularly inspect payment terminals and train employees to spot irregularities. Many stores across the country are now shifting toward contactless payment methods and chip-only terminals to reduce vulnerability to skimming.
“Modern security tools and employee awareness are key to combating card fraud,” said cybersecurity analyst Dr. Lina Howard. “Retailers must stay one step ahead of criminals to protect their customers.”
For more insights on how retailers can protect themselves and their customers, check out this Homeland Security advisory on skimming devices
Conclusion
The suspicious devices found at the Southwest Side Dollar General serve as a stark reminder of the hidden risks in everyday transactions. While no harm has been confirmed yet, the discovery has sparked serious concerns about payment security in local retail spaces.
Customers are advised to stay alert, check their account statements, and report anything suspicious. Meanwhile, the investigation remains active, and further updates will be provided by authorities as more information becomes available.
Stay informed and learn more safety tips by visiting the FTC’s Consumer Advice Portal
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