Local Company Donates Device To Bristol Borough Supermarket To Fight Skimmers
by Alex Lloyd Gross
Allied Electronics in Bristol Borough is a company that makes devices that will detect skimmers and other irregularities that have been surreptitiously put into credit card terminals. These skimmers will keep a customers credit card or EBT data for later use. That use is to sell on the black market and deplete the balance on the card.
Recently, the All Fresh Store on Pond Street in Bristol Borough was victim to two males that allegedly put a skimming device in a credit card terminal. They were caught in the act. One, Adrian Oprea was arrested and the other was able to flee. Yesterday, Allied Electronics showed up at the store and gave a demonstration of how the machines work. Then they donated one to the store.
“This is our community and this store serves the community, it’s where people go to buy food and they should feel secure that their card transactions will be secure. Their device will scan the terminal like a credit card and an LED light will illuminate. It it is red, there is a problem” said Steve Cullen a representative from Allied.
Most of their business is from filling stations but they were appalled that the food store was hit by skimmers who stole EBT information. District Attorney Joe Khan said that he is planning to prosecute Oprea and hopes his accomplice will be caught soon. He too was dismayed that thieves targeted people who cannot afford to lose one cent. “When their balance is taken it does not get replenished for another month,” he said.
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo/ Delaware Valley News.com Steve Cullen and Steve Gilson demonstrate the device.
According to Steve Gilson, from Allied,the devices are available to the general public should they want to buy one. The cost is about $450.00. Businesses should use the skimmer detector several times a day for maximum protection, especially if the terminals are not within sight of an employee.
The donation was attended by Bristol Borough Police and Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan.