Westborough Gas Pump Latest Target for Credit Card Skimmers

WESTBOROUGH, MA — Westborough police are warning residents to check credit card statements often, and make purchases inside when possible.

Following a wave of white collar crime that is sweeping the country, a credit card skimmer was found in a pump at at Shell gas station in Westborough this week. The device was inside the pump and not visible to customers.

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An attendant noticed that the pump had been tampered with, and alerted authorities.

"To minimize the chances of having your credit card or debit card information obtained for fraudulent purposes, it is suggested that all purchases be made inside the business where you can see the card actually being scanned by the attendant," said police. "Minimize the purchases being made using your debit card. If your account is hacked, you will most likely get your money back but it is a long process with your bank. Frequently check your credit card activity looking for charges that are not familiar to you."

The state's Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation issued an official alert in February, stating it was conducting random inspections of fuel pumps across the Commonwealth looking for those that had been targeted by thieves.

The office explains that skimmers are small electronic devices that either collect or transmit via Bluetooth technology credit and debit card data to thieves, who then either sell or use the financial information to engage in identity theft and fraud.

All 2,600 service station owners and operators in the Commonwealth have been reminded recently to regularly check their fuel pumps for evidence of tampering and skimming devices, said the announcement.

“Consumers who routinely use plastic at the pumps need to be wary of the increasing frequency with which skimmers are being found,” said Consumer Affairs Undersecretary John Chapman in statement. “If you see something that doesn’t look right at the pump or notice a broken security seal, notify the attendant immediately and consider paying for your gas inside the service station.”