Sheriff warns of skimming devices on gas pumps

NEW MADRID, Mo. — The New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the use of “skimming devices” after several were located on gas pumps locally.

According to New Madrid County Sheriff William “Bud” Cooper, skimmers are devices thieves attach over card slots at gas pumps. The skimmers are then used to save and store credit card information.

To avoid falling victims to skimming devices, Cooper said consumers should take note of the serial-numbered security stickers on the gas pump. If this is ripped, someone may have tampered with it.

Also paying inside the station instead of paying at the pump is another way to avoid skimmers.

A recent article in Reader’s Digest about the devices suggested whenever possible, consumers should choose the pump closest to the building. Because of the location, these pumps are the least likely to be tampered with.

Check the other machines and compare the card-reading slots and keypads. If they don’t look the same, some might be equipped with credit card skimmers.

Take a few seconds to verify that everything is firmly attached to the point of sale machine and that it does not wiggle

Avoid using a debit card, if possible. Those who must use a debit card should run it through as a credit card rather than entering the PIN. The article noted credit purchases have a lag time for payment and often offer zero fraud liability.

Other suggestions include buying gas-station gift cards if consumers frequent the same gas station. Gift cards don’t have any personal information connected to them and since they have a limited value if skimmed the loss would be relatively minimal.

Also gas apps offer another a safer way to pay at the pump.

Cooper urged the public to pay close attention to their credit/debit card statement. Anyone who notices discrepancies on their statement should contact the Sheriff’s Department by calling 573-748-2516.