Police warn of credit card skimmers in Gastonia

GASTONIA, N.C. — Police have video of a man using credit card information that was skimmed from a Gastonia gas station.

The man in the video, wearing a black hat, is seen going into a Gastonia store on Franklin Boulevard and Cox Road and making a purchase using stolen credit card information.

The man, who didn’t want to be identified, got gas at a Kangaroo gas station in Maiden and paid with a bank card.

Days later, his wife checked the bank account and noticed several small purchases had been made in places her husband doesn't normally visit.

"If she hadn't checked it, it probably would have gone on and on,” he said.

He learned the accused thief regularly checked the balance before making a few hundred dollars worth of purchases.

"You realize there is not much you can do,” he said.

Police discovered the device perfectly hidden in the pump.

Police said the bluetooth device wirelessly grabbed the stolen information. The device, as well as the key used to unlock the gas pump and plant the device inside, were likely purchases online, authorities believe.

"Someone using the gas pump would never know,” said Maiden police Capt. Jamie Fletcher.

Police believe other bank accounts were compromised, but the account holders haven't discovered it yet.

Several people came to the Maiden Police Department on Tuesday morning to file reports after police posted a notice online.

“Pay attention on a regular basis to the charges,” Fletcher said.

It may be possible to detect a skimmer by opening your mobile device and going to "bluetooth" in settings.

If you see a bluetooth option with a long list of random numbers or letters that may be from a skimming device.

Criminals have hooked up skimmers at gas pumps for years. The devices look just a card swipers.

To protect yourself, inspect the swiper by grabbing or shaking it. If it's loose, it may be a skimmer.

When you type in your PIN, shield the keypad with your hand. You can also choose the credit card option instead of debit card to pay.

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