The Hickory Police Department says a store clerk found credit card data skimmers on two gas pumps at the Citgo station at 3361 HWY 70 SE.
Detectives are now working to learn who put them there. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator D. Bailey (828) 261-2687.
Hickory police said there are ways to tell if someone has put a skimmer on a gas pump or ATM.
- Look for a secured seal over the main pump panel. If seal indicates a "void" marking, the machine may have been compromised.
- Look at the card reader – does it match the other pumps? If there are differences a skimmer may be attached.
- Run your debit card as a credit card at the pump to protect your PIN number, or pay inside the store.
- Monitor financial accounts regularly for unauthorized activity.
Skimmers have been found at ATMs and gas pumps across the region in recent week:
- Maiden police looking for card skimmer suspect
- 3 card skimmers discovered at south Charlotte gas station
- 'Sophisticated' card skimmer found on Hickory ATM
- Police warn of credit card skimmers in Gastonia
- Police warn residents after skimmer found in Matthews, Indian Trail
If a skimmer is located, please inform your local law enforcement agency so that the device can be removed and analyzed appropriately.
Additional information on skimmers: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2017/06/avoid-skimmers-pump