On Oct. 18, Douglas County Sheriff's Office took a report about a credit card recording device that was fraudulently attached to a movie rental box at a grocery store in Highlands Ranch.

Deputies responded to the Safeway located at 9255 S. Broadway in Highlands Ranch. A customer was trying to use the DVD rental box to rent a movie. The customer was having difficulties with the machine so a store employee attempted to help the customer.

They both determined that an electronic device had been put above the actual credit card reader. It was a device that was used to scan someone's credit card when they swiped it through the slot. They were able to take the device off of the box and turn it over to the deputies on scene. The device was taken into evidence for processing.

At this time, this is the only report that detectives have received about this type of device being attached to a DVD rental box in the county. Deputies did check out other businesses close by and did not find any other of these devices.

This case is still under investigation and it is uncertain at this time if the customer's credit card information or any other information was accessed illegally.

Sheriff Weaver as well as the detectives who handle these types of identity theft cases want to remind citizens to be extra careful when using credit cards at these types of unmanned machines.

This could apply to ATM's, automated fuel station pumps, DVD rental boxes, vending machines, concert or event type machines, or any other machine that may ask you to scan your credit card without actually dealing with a clerk or employee.

It is advised that you check the machine first to see if it appears that a second device has been put over the actual credit card reader. If it appears that something has been affixed to the machine or something appears suspicious do not use it and notify local law enforcement right away.

Detectives would also like to remind citizens not to handle the device as it may need to be processed for any evidence.

If you have other questions about how to protect yourself against Identity Theft please visit our website at www.dcsheriff.net