Gas Station Skimmers Found In Pinellas County

Photo: WTSP

According to Authorities, after searching 66 facilities in the Clearwater / St. Pete Beach area as part of a pre-spring break sweep by the Department of Agrigulture, 4 Skimmers were found.

Skimmers were found throughout Pinellas County at the following locations:

•  One Stop, Giant BP #109, 6151 4th St N, St. Petersburg
• One Food of Pinellas Inc. #23, 901 4th St N, St. Petersburg
• Quick Mart of Largo, 1990 West BAY Dr., Largo (2 skimmers)

430 Skimmers have been found and removed across the state since the department began searched in 2015.

How to avoid becoming a victim of a Gas Station Skimmer:

Courtesy of a WTSP Article

–Pay in cash inside the store to ensure the credit card information stays safe.

–Make sure the gas pump dispenser cabinet is closed and has not been tampered with. Many stations are now putting a piece of security tape over the cabinet to ensure it has not been opened by unauthorized individuals.

–Use a gas pump closer to the front of the store. Thieves often place skimmers at the gas pumps farther away from the store so they are not noticed as quickly.

–Use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards have better fraud protection, and the money is not deducted immediately from an account.

–If using a debit card at the pump, choose to run it as a credit card instead of a debit card. That way, the PIN number is safe.

–Monitor bank accounts regularly to spot any unauthorized charges.

–Consumers who suspect their credit card number has been compromised should report it immediately to authorities and their credit card company.

“From Okaloosa County to Miami-Dade County, these skimmers are being placed on gas pumps and stealing from unsuspecting residents and visitors,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “We will continue to crackdown on these devices – and the criminals responsible for them.”

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