SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Police Department is warning businesses and shoppers to be wary of the multitude of data scanning devices placed at gas pumps, ATMs and cash registers around the city.

The department’s Detective Bureau is investigating four incidents over the weekend in which a scanning device was seized by suspects or found by employees at convenience stores.

According to the FBI, skimmers are electronic devices placed on top of or inside existing point-of-sale terminals, gas pumps or ATMs. Criminals collect bank and credit card data from accountants and then access accounts for purchases or cash. The FBI says skimming costs more than $1 billion annually.

The Police Department advises employees and shoppers to be wary of tampered machines that may be loose or have buttons that are thick or tight to the touch. The Ministry recommends not using a debit card if possible or choosing the credit option when making payment.

Police said if you find a colander, you should notify police or store staff as soon as possible.

Residents with any information about the skimmers or the suspects involved can contact the Detective Bureau at 413-787-6355 or Text-A-Tip anonymously. Write CRIMES (2-7-4-6-3-7) and SOLVE and write your clue.