Police said a credit card skimming device was found on a gas pump at a Lakeland gas station.
On April 5 at 10 p.m., officers responded to the Mobil Station, located at 3437 U.S. 98 N, to investigate the skimming device, which was found on the inside of the pump.
The clerk said an alarm went off, indicating he should check the receipt paper at one of the gas pumps. He noticed the skimmer when he unlocked the gas pump door and opened it to check the receipt paper.
Police said there's only one key to the gas pump door, and that there wouldn't have been anything suspicious for a customer to see since the device was on the inside of the pump.
Police said the device may have been attached to the pump for up to five days. No other skimming devices were located on other pumps.
Anyone who recently purchased gas at this Mobil station is asked to check their statements and immediately call their credit card company as well as the Lakeland Police Department if they discover unauthorized charges on their account.
Police recommend that customers take the following steps to avoid gas pump skimmers:
- Pump gas from the inside lane pumps and from those closest to the door of the establishment.
- Check to see if the gas station pump has safety seal tape on the door. Many stations put this tape on the tank to ensure that it is not tampered with.
- Do not use a tank if the cabinet appears to be tampered with, or if it is not locked.
- If you choose to use a debit card at a gas station, run the card as credit so your PIN is not required.