Credit card skimmers were found on gas pumps in six Bay area gas stations this past week, officials said.
Inspectors with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said the found the skimmers during a recent sweep of 640 gas stations throughout the Bay area.
The gas stations that had the credit card skimmers are:
- Causeway Mobil, 11210 Causeway Blvd., Brandon, FL
- Mobil Mart #542, 1640 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL
- 818 market Place, 818 W. Platt St., Tampa, FL
- CITGO Quick Mart, 6101 S. Macdill Ave., Tampa, fl
- Radiant Food Store # 226, 110 E. Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL
- 7-Eleven # 32738, 18934 US Highway 19, Hudson, FL
Officials are offering the following tips to help consumers protect themselves from skimmers:
- Pay in cash inside the store.
- Check to make sure the gas pump dispenser cabinet is closed and has not been tampered with.
- Try to use a gas pump closer to the front of the store. Thieves often place skimmers on the pumps farther away from the store so they won't be noticed as quickly.
- Use a credit card instead of a debit card.
- If using a debit card at the pump, choose to run it as a credit card instead of entering a PIN number. That way the PIN number stays safe.
- Monitor bank accounts regularly to spot unauthorized charges.
Consumers who suspect their credit card information has been compromised should reported it immediately to authorities and their credit card company.
If you believe you may be a victim of fraud, call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).