Card skimmers found on gas pumps in Kingwood

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The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office says five credit card skimmers were found attached to the inside of gas pumps at a gas station in Kingwood.

The sheriff's office says the skimmers were found on gas pumps at an Exxon gas station at 1800 North Park Drive in Kingwood on July 30.

Gas station staff conducting maintenance on the fuel pumps discovered a credit card skimmer attached to the inside of a pump. Authorities say the staff checked the other pumps and found a total of five skimmers. The sheriff's office responded to the scene and removed the skimmers. Investigators are reviewing video surveillance in an attempt to locate the suspects.

Deputies say on June 13, 2018, two credit card skimmers were found inside gas pumps at the same gas station. That case is also under investigation.

Anyone with information on any of these cases is asked to call the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at (936)760-5800 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-STOP.

According to the sheriff's office, credit card fraud and identify theft have steadily increased in recent years, including the use of credit card skimmers. The sheriff's office says the skimmers, which have been found on fuel pumps and ATMS across the country, collect credit and debit card information that can be used to commit fraud and identity theft.

 

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is sharing these tips to limit your chances of being a victim to identity theft.

  1. Check your account regularly for any suspicious activity.
  2. If paying at the pump use a pump close to the attendants. If the pump seal is broken or doesn’t have one DON’T USE IT. If the lock looks tampered don’t use it.
  3. Pay inside at the pump.
  4. Check the credit card machine or ATM for any tampering or any skimming device being added to where you insert your credit card.