YPD discover ‘skimming device’, alerting community

The Yuma Police Department is alerting drivers about a skimming device used to make fraudulent purchases that are often left on gas pumps.

YPD said they found a device at the Chevron located at 6440 E 32nd Street on Saturday, January 19.

The skimming devices usually are electronic devices that are attached to the gas pumps then used to obtain credit and debit card information by capturing the PIN and account information.

Later criminals can make fraudulent purchases with the victim’s account with the information obtained.

Skimmers also are commonly planted in ATMs and hard to detect.

The funds are often not taken until several months later making the crime of the actual scam difficult to pinpoint.

Reports of this type of crime have increased all across the country.

Here are some tips that may prevent you from being a victim of “skimming”:

You can select credit at the pump to avoid falling victim to debit card fraud. Routinely check your bank statements and use credit cards with fraud protection to avoid identify theft. You can pay inside the store with cash or remain inside to sign all credit card receipts. Make sure you get your receipts and properly destroy them by shredding. Don’t use pumps hidden from the view of the gas station attendant. Check the safety seal on the pump to make sure it’s not broken. If you believe you have been a victim of this type of crime please report it to the City of Yuma Police Department at (928) 373-4700.