Credit Card Skimmer Found On Sarasota Gas Pump

SARASOTA, FL — The Sarasota Police Department is warning motorists who fueled up at the 1841 S. Tamiami Trail Exxon to check their credit and debit card receipts.

A credit card skimming device was found inside one of the pumps Thursday morning, the department said.

“Sarasota Police Officers were called by store employees after a routine check of the pumps showed the red anti-tampering tape was missing,” an email from the agency said.

It is unclear just how long the skimmer might have been on the pump.

“Sarasota Police Officers are encouraging citizens when using any gas pump to check for the red anti-tampering tape,” the agency warned. “If the tape is missing or damaged, notify store employees immediately.”

Customers who fueled up at the Exxon are urged to check their credit card and bank statements carefully. If any suspicious transactions are found – even small ones – consumers should notify their banks.

See Also:

• Gas Pump Credit Card Skimmer Found In Sarasota

A skimming device was also found earlier this month on a pump at the 2000 N. Washington Blvd. Marathon.

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.

Credit card skimmers are an ongoing concern in Florida. Last April, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced it had worked with local law enforcement agencies across the state to check more than 6,000 gas stations. All told, about 81 skimmers turned up.

Anyone with information about who might be responsible for the Exxon skimmer is asked to call the police department at 941-316-1199 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or by going online to www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.

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Photo courtesy of the Sarasota Police Department