Redbox, the operator of nationwide self-serve DVD rental kiosks, sent an email blast this morning warning customers of skimming attempts at Arizona and New Mexico locations. There was an illegal device (skimmer) placed ABOVE the existing swiper which may have read information from all who used that specific box (Important Note: Redbox is NOT saying this is nationwide – they believe this is ONLY limited to three locations). The locations. Pictures of the skimmer and more details after the break.

The text of the RedBox security alert reads:

A few days ago redbox detected and removed an illegal credit card skimming device at one of our 7,400 locations. At the same time, redbox also discovered evidence of skimming attempts in two other locations.

Locations with evidence of skimming attempts:

- 1101 South Rural Road, Tempe, AZ (device removed before retrieval by perpetrator)

- 1620 El Paseo Road, Las Cruces, NM (evidence of skimming attempt)

- 2330 East Lohman Avenue, Las Cruces, NM (evidence of skimming attempt)

Skimming involves the placement of an illegal device above the credit/debit card reader on a vending machine, ATM, or in this case a redbox. These devices are used to illegally read or store personal credit card information. Redbox is not aware of any fraudulent activity or transactions using our customers’ accounts and does all it can to minimize the risk of this happening.

You can help. It never hurts to pay a little extra attention and check for any unusual activities or changes to your local redbox. If you suspect the redbox has been tampered with (see below for pictures of redbox approved credit card readers and of skimmer devices), please contact 630-756-8866, e-mail alerts@redbox.com or notify the store/restaurant manager of your concerns immediately.

Here’s what the skimmer looked like:

Redbox threw in a second picture – though this one seems to be for comparison purposes and show ATM machine skimmer – unless they’re in the midst of creating a new company called “BeigeBox”

Redbox also has photos of the way that their readers should look. Notice in the photo at left that there is a large red block toward the top of the reader to prevent skimmers.

Kudos to RedBox for publishing full and timely news of this discovery. You can read more about the security breach at their special link – Redbox Security Alert – Credit Card Skimmer Attempt.

Related posts:

1. Fortune Fuels 3G Iphone Pricing Rumors: 8GB – $399 and 16GB $499 plus $200 Rebate For New Customers
2. FriendFeed Gadget Alert Thingy Available Now
3. Zune Expands Beyond Music To Include Popular Television Shows
4. Microsoft Surface Preview Starting Today in 5 AT&T Stores
5. Palm webOS 1.2 available now