The Odessa Police Department is warning the public about credit/debit card skimmers being found at local gas stations. Skimmer devices are malicious devices that read the magnetic stripe on your card when you slide the card into the card readers. The skimmer then stores the credit card number, expiration date and card holder name. Skimmer devices usually look similar to the machine they are attached to and can be difficult to discover if you are not attentive, a news release said.
Skimmers are often paired with pinhole/hidden cameras. These cameras capture the numbers you are entering into keypads. Thieves then use all the data captured to sell or use themselves at a later time. Best practice when using your card for fuel is to go into the store or use your zip code, not your card PIN at the pump and also be cognizant of the security tape seal at the pump to make sure it has not been tampered with.
If anyone believes that they have been the victim of a skimmer device, they are encouraged to contact their bank, monitor their accounts, and report any unauthorized transactions. Anyone with information about skimmer devices or their location is encouraged to contact the Odessa Police Department at 432-335-3333 or Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-3333-TIPS.
