Watch Out For Card Skimmers Next Time You’re At The Pump

There’s a nasty threat in the Valley that police are advising the public about.
 
Fargo Police notified the community with a Facebook post warning about card skimming threats in the area.
 
“Recently it was discovered that there was a skimmer located at a gas pump at a local gas station,” says Lt. Jason Nelson of Fargo Police.
 
The police believe a group from outside this state has been traveling through and placing skimmers.

They break the seal before plugging into the system and stealing card information.
 
“Usually what they’ll try to do is use it for a low amount to see if it works. Once they know it works, they’ll keep purchasing over and over,” says Nelson.
 
Most gas pumps have two seals.

One on the pump door and the other on the card reader.
 
“For convenience obviously paying at the pump is such an easy a convenient choice. So we do it all the time,” says Phil Hayez of Fargo.
 
The next time you’re at a gas station, make sure to check the skimmer before swiping your card.

When in doubt, pay inside or with cash.
 
“I always go inside to pay my bills and get all my receipts. It’s very rarely that I put my credit card in the machine outside,” says Suzy Maier of West Fargo.
 
“The best that we can do is to be diligent. Try to focus on what we’re doing. Even though we’re all in a rush, it seems,” says Hayez.
 
Time isn’t always on our side, but a few seconds could save you a lot of cash.
 
Fargo Police says to make sure you go through your card activities to spot any suspicious charges.

Anyone with information about the skimming is asked to call the police at 701-241-5777.