Card skimmer found at Brevard County gas station, officials say

Skimmer discovered by maintenance worker inspecting pumps

COCOA, Fla. – Make sure next time to check the credit card swipe before you pay for your gas, because detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division have recovered a credit card skimmer from a Chevron service station at 2700 U.S. Highway 1.

The skimmer device was discovered by a maintenance worker conducting an inspection of the fuel pumps, authorities said.

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Detectives said it is not known when the device was put in or how long it was in place. Police urge customers who made fuel purchases from this gas station to contact their credit card company.

Additionally, customers can report any suspicious activity to Cocoa police at 321-639-7620.

Hundreds of skimmers have been found all across the state in recent years, including more than a dozen that were found in Central Florida during a sweep of gas stations in 2015.

Here are some tips to use to avoid becoming victim to a skimmer:

-Pay inside with cash whenever possible.

-Use the gas pumps closest to the store, because criminals generally place skimmers on the farthest pump, since it's less likely they'll be discovered.

-Make sure the gas cabinet is closed, and the security tape is intact. Check around to make sure none of the pieces wiggle or jiggle.

-Shield the PIN as it is entered. Even if no one is around, criminals have been known to install hidden cameras near skimmers to record PIN entries.

-When using a debit card, run it as credit so there is no PIN entry.

-Monitor financial statements regularly. Report any suspected credit card theft to the authorities and the bank immediately.

Have you fallen prey to gas station skimmers? Sound off with your experience in the comments below and News 6 may contact you for an upcoming story.


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