Police say a credit card skimmer was found on an ATM at the BP gas station on the northwest corner of Green Bay Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in North Chicago late last month. | Photo: Google Street View

Police are warning residents in Lake County to be aware during the holiday season of credit card skimmers after one was found at a gas station in North Chicago.

The North Chicago Police Department was notified on October 27 of a credit card skimmer found at an ATM.

The device was discovered at the BP gas station on the northwest corner of Green Bay Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

Credit card skimmers are typically placed at ATMs and other electronic points of purchase.

The devices are placed in hopes of consumers unknowingly placing their card into it so that a clone of their card can be made and their funds can be accessed, police said.

“Be careful as you shop and travel this holiday season,” officials said in a community alert.

People using a credit or debit card in public are recommended to use the “tap” feature instead of swiping.

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When swiping a card, it is recommended to pull on the device before inserting the card. Skimmers are usually placed over the existing card reader.

Police say card users should cover the keypad with their hand when entering their PIN to avoid capture by any nearby cameras.

Those who believe their card or bank information has been compromised are urged to contact their bank immediately, police said.

Anyone who discovers a device on a card reader should notify law enforcement immediately.