Skimming Devices Found at Caroline Gas Station: Sheriff's Office

CAROLINE COUNTY, VA — Used a credit card or a debit card to buy gas recently at the Speedy's Mart Exxon on Ladysmith Road?

If so, better check your accounts for discrepancies.

A routine inspection Tuesday found a skimming device planted in three of the pumps, according to a release from the Caroline County Sheriff's Office.

"Unfortunately, in this case, there was not much our citizens could do to prevent becoming a victim," Sheriff Tony Lippa said in the release. "The devices recovered in this case were installed inside the pumps and were not visible."

Investigators believe the devices may have been in place for fewer than five days. They also say anyone who used the pumps may be a victim of credit card fraud and/or identify theft, and that the devices may have been capable of gathering account numbers, expiration dates, routing numbers, security codes and PIN codes.

Many such incidents happen at retail ATM machines, and there are plenty of tips to avoid being scammed.

In this case, though, it's a bit trickier. Investigators say employees at the gas station have been fully cooperative and are taking recommended preventive measures.

Inspectors from the Virginia Department of Agriculture, Division of Weights and Measures checked other gas stations in the area but found nothing awry.

Photo: Caroline County Sheriff's Office