31 Credit Card Skimmers Found On Hillsborough County Gas Pumps

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — During a three-day, multi-agency sweep of Hillsborough County gas stations, detectives found and removed 31 credit card skimmers from gas pumps.

From Sept. 14 to 16, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the Florida Department of Agriculture and the Tampa Police Department conducted set Operation Skimmer Sweep, inspecting 440 gas stations and 13,612 gas pumps.

Credit card skimmers are devices that criminals surreptitiously attach to ATMs, gas pumps and any other payment terminals to steal information from customers' credit or debit cards. Skimmers read the magnetic strip on the card, giving thieves the full name on the card, the credit card number and the expiration date. Some thieves even hide small cameras to capture PIN numbers from those using debit cards. They can use the information to steal a customer's identity, charge items on the credit card or get access to the money in a customer's bank account.

The 31 skimmers impounded were sent to the sheriff's office evidence section. Fingerprints found on the skimmers will be used to identify the thieves using the devices.

At least one person has already been positively identified as a result of Operation Skimmer Sweep. Lester Echemendia Tapia, 41, was arrested and charged with possession of a skimming device, trafficking in counterfeit credit cards and fraudulent possession of personal identification information.

Courtesy Hillsborough Sheriff

Lester Echemendia Tapia, 41, was arrested and charged with possession of a skimming device, trafficking in counterfeit credit cards and fraudulent possession of personal identification information.

"Our detectives are proactively taking steps to protect the citizens and those visiting us here in Hillsborough County," said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. "At this time, we do not believe anybody's personal information was compromised. If you believe you may have been compromised, I urge you to call our non-emergency number at (813) 247-8200 or you can even file a report online using our online reporting system found at www.teamhcso.com."

Detectives advise consumers to remain alert. If any gas pump appears to be tampered with, contact the sheriff's office or Tampa Police immediately.

Additionally, the Hillsborough County Regulatory Compliance Division under Consumer and Veterans Services inspected the gas pumps for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. A Hillsborough County ordinance requires gas stations to provide equal access to customers with disabilities. Retailers are required to have a sign or sticker clearly displaying the phone number for the gas station in case a consumer is in need of assistance.

Of the 232 gas stations inspected, 92 of them were not in compliance with the ordinance. Warning letters will be sent to those stations in violation of the ordinance and re-inspections will be conducted in the coming weeks.

Courtesy Hillsborough Sheriff