Credit Card Skimmer Found on Sarasota Gas Pump

SARASOTA, FL — Motorists who fill up their tanks at the BP gas station on Lockwood Ridge Road in Sarasota might want to check their bank and credit card records. According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, a credit card skimmer was discovered on a pump Monday afternoon.

Deputies say the credit card skimming device was found hidden inside one of the 1660 N. Lockwood Ridge Road gas pumps around 2:30 p.m. Nov. 14. It is unclear how long the skimmer might have been in place.

The skimming device was removed and collected as evidence, the sheriff’s office wrote in an email to media.

“Customers who have purchased gas at this location are encouraged to check bank statements for any suspicious transactions, no matter how small the amount,” the sheriff’s office warned.

Skimmers are high-tech devices meant to capture a person’s debit or credit card information when a card is swiped at the pump. Skimmers are generally placed inside gas pump cabinets, making them very difficult for motorists to spot before they pay.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office recommends people follow these tips to protect themselves when buying gas:

• Pay inside with cash, if possible. If cash isn’t available, use a credit card instead of a debit card because of better fraud protection.
• Check for signs of tampering at the pump, including a broken security seal over the door. If something looks out of place, notify station employees.
• Monitor bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. If something looks wrong, contact the bank or creditor immediately.

Anyone with information about the Sarasota skimming device case is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 941-861-4900 or Crime Stoppers at 941-366-TIPS.

Photo courtesy of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office