Information added Tuesday morning
The public is encouraged to be sure gas pumps have a “SEALED” tape on them before pumping gasoline since a credit card skimmer was found inside a gas pump at a Jefferson gas station.
Jefferson police captain Heath Enns reports that staff at a local station reported finding the device inside a pump Monday at 9 am. The skimmer was removed and will be sent to the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations to obtain forensic evidence from it.
Mark Olson, owner of Oly’s Corner, said the skimmer was found on pump #4 at his station. The skimmer was placed sometime since Dec. 11, as he inspects pumps every Monday morning, looking for the devices. He noted he will check pumps daily now.
A skimmer (pictured, below) is installed by opening the front of the gas pump and attaching it inside. The front of each gas pump should have a “SEALED” tape on the front.
A skimmer has Bluetooth capability, so the perpetrator can get information from it while it is in the pump. Enns said the crime lab will likely not be able to identify what information may have been taken from it via Bluetooth.
Anyone purchasing fuel in Jefferson is asked to pay attention to the seal. Customers who find a broken tape should contact the manager of the business and notify the Jefferson police department at 515-386-2136.
Customers are also reminded to watch their debit and credit card statements for any fraudulent activity, and to report any questionable activity to the issuing company and to local police.
