MIDWAY, Fla.-- Midway police are warning residents to be careful when you fill up. Two residents have fallen victim to having their credit card information copied at the Pilot Service Station. The residents reported fraudulent charges on their credit cards after paying at the pump for their gas.
"It's a recurring and occurring theme, and a recurring crime," said Midway Police Chief Jerome Turner.
He says the scammers attached electronic devices to the card readers. When you scan your card, all of the information is copied and sent to scammers, allowing them to use the card anywhere, anytime.
"Look at the card reader," said Chief Turner, "because if you actually look at it, you can actually see the portable device that's attached to that card reader."
Chief Turner added that you don't need to avoid the Pilot. They are cooperating with the investigation, and Chief Turner says this can happen at any pump and any gas station, anywhere in the country.
"It happens everywhere," said Chief Turner. "It just so happens that this is an isolated incident here in Midway alone."
His advice for how you can protect yourself: "It's just a matter of the consumer will have to be more vigilant and more proactive and realize, 'Is that something a little suspicious? Maybe I don't need to use that pump, or maybe I should just go inside and pay for my gas.'"
If you think your credit card information may have been stolen, Chief Turner says to call the Midway Police Department at 850-574-3057 or your local police department.
