PASCO COUNTY, Fla. -- Twelve credit card skimmers have been found at gas pumps in seven different locations across Pasco County, and the sheriff's office says there could be hundreds of potential fraud victims.
The devices were located during a Pasco County Sheriff's Office operation targeting scam artists who prey on local drivers.
Deputies with the Economic Crimes Unit worked with officials from the Department of Agriculture to check pumps at 151 gas stations countywide.
Below is a list of where the skimmers were found:
- (1) On the Fly BP: 1068 US Alternate Highway 19
- (3) Citgo 52: 7820 SR 52 in Hudson
- (1) Jasmine Food & Gas: 10461 US Highway 19 in Port Richey
- (1) 7-Eleven #32738: 18934 US Highway 19 in Hudson
- (4) BP: 6444 Massachusetts Avenue in New Port Richey
- (1) 7-Eleven #17223: 6001 Trouble Creek Road in New Port Richey
- (1) Top King Food Mart/Chevron: 11744 Fort King Road in Dade City
Steven Dufala says he often goes to the Chevron gas station on Massachusetts Ave where four skimmers were found.
“I check my credit card statements every day anyway; so if something like that were to happen to me, I trust my bank enough to replace my money," Dufala said.
While Dufala may be in the clear, deputies say there could be many victims who aren't.
The sheriff’s office says some of those skimmers were equipped with Bluetooth technology, allowing the suspects to get victims' credit card information right away.
With no arrests and little information about how many people are impacted, the sheriff’s office is working to find the people responsible, but they are facing some challenges.
“A lot of these gas stations do not check their pumps on a daily basis. Unfortunately, some check them monthly. Some check them quarterly,” said Detective Shawn Rozankowski with the Pasco Economic Crimes Unit.
The Pasco County sheriff says these skimming devices are almost impossible to detect because they’re on the inside of the machines.
The best advice is to go inside and pay. Experts also advise you to use a credit card, so your bank can notify you of any fraud.
“If you’re going to pay outside, use the pumps closest to where the cashiers inside the store can see you. Usually, those do not have skimmers on them just because they don’t want to stand outside where an employee can see them putting it on,” said Detective Rozankowski.
Drivers say they plan to be a little more cautious, saying they hope whoever is behind the scams are caught.
The sheriff’s office says if you’re worried your credit card information was compromised, check your statements.
If there are suspicious charges, contact your bank and the sheriff’s office to investigate.
Our 10Investigates team has covered the issue of credit card skimmers quite extensively.
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