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Credit Card Skimmers Discovered at Local Fuel Pumps

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McKENZIE (September 5) — Police Department is alerting the public about “skimmer” devices found at two gas pumps at a local convenience store. The devices use Bluetooth technology to download information from a customer’s credit/debit card. The thief can receive the Bluetooth signal from as far as 100 feet away from the skimmer.
Within the past few weeks, these skimming devices were used to steal credit/debit card data from several local victims, including the City of McKenzie. The stolen information was then used for fraudulent use in another state.
In anyone has been a victim of fraudulent credit/debit card transactions, please call the local law enforcement agency.

What Can You Do: customers should closely examine the gas pump, ATM or other devices for tampering before making any transactions. Many, but not all, convenience stores place security tape on the gas pumps to deter illegal tampering.
If a customer has Bluetooth capability, a free app is available allowing the customers to scan the pump or ATM for illegal card readers. This app will detect an illegal card reader from 5-15 feet away. If an illegal card reader is detected, the customer should avoid using his or her card and immediately contact the police.
For more information regarding illegal skimmers, please call the McKenzie Police Department at 731-352-2264 or 2265.