VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) - Police are warning customers to be careful after they confiscated a credit card skimmer device from a gas station on Thursday.
The Valdosta Police Department says they began investigating a report of a skimmer being used at a local gas station on Thursday.
The gas station attendant told police there was a malfunction at their corporate office, and when a technician came out to the gas station to fix the issue, the technician found a credit card skimmer device illegally wired to the pump's card scanner.
Credit card skimmers are small, electronic devices that are illegally attached to an outside gas pump and when a customer’s credit card is inserted, the device will steal the credit card information off from an unknowing victim.
When VPD arrived they confiscated the device. Police say they've seen a spike in credit card skimmer use as a means for theft.
“The Valdosta Police Department urges citizens to be cautious when using gas pumps and to notify law enforcement if you discover a device,” said Lieutenant Adam Bembry.
While they're not sure who is responsible for planting the skimmer, police are sharing safety tips to keep you from becoming a victim:
- Use a credit card, not a debit card, when you pay.
- If any part of the pump scanner is loose, or appears to have been manipulated, DO NOT use.
- Use your issuer’s fraud alerts and check your card statements.
- Set up fraud alerts on your credit cards.
- Pay inside, with cash or a credit card, rather than at the pump.
- Consider paying or withdrawing cash with your digital wallet.
They warn the gas stations that are most often targeted are those that are closer to interstates.
