Walmart Takes Action: Upgrades Self-Checkout Machines Following Wave of Secret Theft Incidents

READ MORE: Sam's Club swapping self-checkout for an even less desirable option

Walmart is implementing an alteration to their self-checkout kiosks, referred to as a 'chastity belt' by some.

Following the update, the retailer has placed a vibrant yellow 'belt' atop the pin pads on the devices. surge in card skimming .

A Reddit user named mateo360, who says they work at Walmart, made a post an image of the device labeled "My boss referred to it as a chastity belt for the PIN pad."

This follows a Reddit post that included an image of a Walmart card reader with a Similar devices and bureaucratic red tape became an internet sensation. .

"I believe this could be preventing readers from having skimmers attached by others," a Reddit user commented.

'Upon closer inspection, you'll notice that the yellow borders are extending outwards, similar to the casing surrounding the keypad on an automated teller machine,' noted someone else.

Skim fraud occurs when an individual illicitly attaches equipment onto a card reader or another device with the intent of capturing someone’s private information.

This might result in a series of illicit transactions, identity theft, and fake card productions.

In addition to new tools, Walmart has also introduced removed self-checkout machines from several of its outlets, hoping this would reduce the occurrence of card skimming .

Card skimmers are typically placed inside the card reader or they can be attached via a counterfeit overlay on the keypad.

Thieves might sometimes place tiny hidden cameras, capable of recording PINs as they're input into the system.

Shoppers and Walmart employees have methods to identify if a machine has been tampered with.

A wobbly, misaligned, or loosely fitted card reader might indicate that it has possibly been tampered with.

The device might feature a keypad that is thicker than usual, alongside variations in color schemes.

Regarding the 'chastity belt,' this device allegedly safeguards the keypad and terminal against skimmers.

Staff members and customers can identify if a machine has been tampered with by checking for missing or damaged red tape on the device.

In 2024, more than 231,000 credit cards were compromised by skimming devices, which represents a 27 percent decline from the previous year.

However, Walmart remains a frequent victim of card-skimming attacks across the country.

Last summer, in Connecticut, a prominent case of card skimming came to light when two individuals were apprehended for installing skimmers. fake PIN pads onto self-checkout terminals .

Scanning devices were discovered at Walmart locations across Virginia and in three outlets in Pennsylvania during March.

Other machines Card skimmers usually target gas pumps. ATMs, as well as cash registers at eateries and drinking establishments.

Card skimming is anticipated to result in substantial financial losses for Americans once more this year, possibly amounting to over $1 billion in damages for both cardholders and financial institutions.

The Daily Mail has contacted Walmart for their input.