Card skimming devices found in gas pumps in Santa Cruz

A gas station in Santa Cruz is the latest victim of a credit card scheme on the Central Coast.

According to Santa Cruz police, at least three credit card skimmers were found at different gas pumps at the APCO station on Mission Street on Jan. 13.

A technician found the card-skimmer after opening the service door on the gas pump machine.

” Customers would not be able to detect the gas pump was compromised until unauthorized charges appear on their financial statement,” said SCPD spokeswoman, Joyce Blaschke.

Investigators are working with the business owner to figure out how the card-skimming devices were operating inside the gas pumps.

Detectives have not recieved any reports where victims suspected their credit cards were compromised at this gas station.

Police said older gas station pumps are more susceptible to this type of skimming device fraud when paying at the pump.

“No matter where you gas up, all pumps should have a security tape on the external part of the pump near the access door that leads to credit card reading area. Also, watch out for external suspicious card readers. Pull or tug on the card reader before using it. If it detaches or feels loose, do not insert your card,” said Blaschke.