FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (DC News Now) -- Police in Fredericksburg are warning community members to be on the lookout after recent reports of skimmer fraud in the area. In an X post on Wednesday, the Fredericksburg Police Department said that skimming occurs when devices are illegally installed on or inside ATMs, point-of-sale (POS) terminals or fuel pumps to record cardholder PIN entries and collect data. Police noted that criminals use the data to create payment cards for unauthorized purchases or to steal from victim's accounts. Red Line Metro repairs prompt weekend services changes To avoid falling victim to skimmer fraud, police said residents should: Inspect ATMs, POS terminals and other card readers Look for anything loose, crooked, damaged or scratched Pull at the edges of the keypad before entering your PIN For more information on skimming, click here and click the "How We Can Help You" tab.