On January 21, 2014 at approximately 1:11 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 600 block of Pacheco Boulevard after credit card skimming devices were found inside gas pump card readers.
The skimming device was discovered by a technician who was servicing the gas pumps at the business. The technician located two separate skimming devices attached to the gas pump’s credit card reader. These skimming devices are used to collect the credit card information of the user to be used later for identity theft purposes.
“If you use your credit or ATM card at gas pump card readers, it’s a good idea to check your statements carefully for fraudulent charges. We suggest potential victims contact their financial institution and request replacement cards and new pin information.”
-Jason Hedden, Police Commander
There are several things you can do to reduce or prevent the likelihood of fraud:
-Monitor transactions and statements:
-Review your credit and debit card statements for suspicious charges. You can access this information immediately by using the credit card company or banks website.
-Report suspicious transactions: If you discover suspicious or unfamiliar transactions, contact your credit provider or financial institution immediately; their number is generally found on the backside of your credit card.
-Monitor your credit reports: You may obtain a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) yearly.
You may obtain more information from the Federal Trade Commission website (http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0155-free-credit-reports).
“Our staff has been working to notify local gas stations about the discovery of skimming devices. We are recommending that these businesses have technicians check their credit card readers for similar skimming devices.”
-Jason Hedden, Police Commander
This incident is still under investigation and anyone with information on the crime or others is urged to contact Detective Melden at (209) 827-7070, extension “114.”
To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org
