Inspectors find card skimmers at gas stations across Michigan
Emma SteinGovernment inspectors recently found card skimmers at gas stations across the state.
During a routine inspection, the weights and measures division of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development found hidden skimmers inside gas pumps. Skimmers are not visible from outside the pump, making customers oblivious to what might be going on.
"These criminals continue to try and use gas pumps to commit theft and steal your personal information for fraudulent use. These inspections are just another way MDARD is protecting Michigan consumers at the pump," said Gary McDowell, MDARD director, in a news release. "Kudos to our weights and measures staff for their vigilance in protecting consumers pocketbooks and personal identification."
The skimmers were found at the following locations:
- Admiral, 3221 Division S., Wyoming
- Admiral, 5342 Westnedge, Portage
- Sunoco, 40200 Michigan Ave., Canton
- Admiral, 4315 Chicago Drive, Grandville
- Mobil, 1396 Ecorse Road, Ypsilanti
- Sunoco, 5843 S. Martin Luther King, Lansing
- Mobil, 1500 Haslett Road, East Lansing
- FlexxMart, 496 Main St. Belleville
Card skimmers essentially make a copy of your information. They read the magnetic strip on your credit or debit card, according to U.S. News. The skimmers store your name, card number and expiration date, and the stolen data is used to create counterfeit cards or make fraudulent purchases.
"Criminals who engage in this type of illegal activity exploit and manipulate the very technology that we depend on to conduct secure financial transactions in the retail marketplace," said Timothy Waters, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Michigan. "The FBI and its local, state, and federal law enforcement partners are committed to protecting consumers, businesses, and financial institutions from fraud schemes conducted by criminal enterprises likes this one."
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Because card skimmers are hidden and blend in, it can be hard for gas station owners to prevent them and customers to protect themselves. Gas station owners will add security tape, for example, to prevent card skimmers, but it can be broken or removed.
The department continues to work with the FBI and local law enforcement to try to track down the thieves and prevent card skimmers. The department will continue to look for skimmers during every routine pump inspection.If you believe your information may have been compromised, please contact your banking institution immediately.
Contact Emma Stein: estein@freepress.com and follow her on Twitter @_emmastein.