'Suspicious' Credit Card Reader Discovered at Union City Gas Station Not Illegal, Police Say

UNION CITY, CA —East Bay residents have been warned over and over to be on the lookout for suspicious activity that might lead to property crimes, fraud or identity theft so when a resident noticed what appeared to be a secondary credit card reader on a pump at a Union City gas station, he reported it to the station owner.

The resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said the card reader, which was haphazardly stuck between the handles on a pump at the Union 76 gas station off of Alvarado-Niles Road, seemed out of place.

Union City Police Lieutenant Jeff Snell said officers checked into the suspicious looking device and determined that this was not the first time it has been reported to police.

“As it turns out, this is (or was) a legitimate credit card reader,” Snell said. “It was placed low on the gas dispenser to assist disabled motorists who might not be able to reach the credit card reader that is higher up on the dispenser.”

According to Snell, the gas station apparently decided to deactivate the reader but they have not yet removed it. Snell says police officials appreciate the resident tips on anything that appears suspicious.

“We could not function successfully without the assistance of people who are vigilant and willing to get involved,” Snell said.

Photo contributed