In a proactive move to address the rise in credit card skimming incidents, Walmart has introduced bright yellow “chastity belt” covers on its self-checkout PIN pads across several U.S. stores. These plastic shields are designed to prevent criminals from placing skimming devices over card readers to steal sensitive information.
According to a report by the New York Post, these new shields create a physical barrier that makes it difficult for fraudsters to tamper with the machines. Skimming scams have increased in recent months, with cybercriminals targeting unattended self-checkout stations to harvest customer data.
A Walmart spokesperson confirmed the rollout, emphasizing that the company is committed to ensuring a secure and trustworthy experience for shoppers.
🗣️ What Users Are Saying
As reported by the Times of India, reactions on social media have been mixed:
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Some customers appreciated the increased focus on security, calling the move “smart and overdue.”
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Others mocked the design of the yellow covers, comparing them to “bike locks” or “toilet seat guards.”
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A few users questioned whether Walmart should improve employee presence at checkout instead of adding more technology.
Despite the mixed reviews, many agreed that steps to prevent fraud were necessary, especially as self-checkout becomes more widespread.
📌 Looking Ahead
In addition to these physical upgrades, Walmart is also testing AI-powered checkout systems that use computer vision to scan items without barcodes and detect suspicious activity in real time.
These developments reflect a larger effort by the retail giant to combat rising digital and in-store theft while maintaining fast, convenient service.
