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Identity Thieves Skim Credit Info at Gas Pumps
The Philadelphia Inquirer - 07/09/08

July 9, 2008 - Thought you were getting robbed by the high price of gas? A type of identity theft can siphon your funds even faster, if you pay at the pump.

The practice uses small devices that swipe credit information as people swipe debit or credit cards.

Such devices, called skimmers, were apparently furtively installed as early as late April on some Wawa gas pumps in Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware and Chester Counties, as well as New Castle County, Del., according to the Pennsylvania State Police.

The stolen debit card information was then used to withdraw money directly from back accounts.

The withdrawals were made at automated teller machines at convenience stores and Atlantic City casinos, state police said.

Authorities are looking for two men photographed by surveillance cameras.

"It is easy to be victimized by this type of crime," because the devices are "are not likely to be easily detected," according to a statement from state police in Media.

Skimmers were found in pumps in Concord Township, Downingtown, Bristol and Uwchlan Township, and evidence of tampering with a pump was found in New Castle, Del., police said.

A Bryn Mawr co-op was also apparently victimized early last month.

Reports of skimming have been increasing across the nation, since 2006, and gas stations are not the only places to be wary.

Late last year, skimmers were found on two ATM machines inside a Bear, Del., Wawa, according to Delaware state police.

Restaurant customers from New York to Florida were charged for more than $3 million in fraudulent purchases, according to prosecutors who brought indictments against 13 people in April of last year.

In those cases, credit card readers were knowingly used by restaurant workers, not by unwitting customers.

Last October, a skimmer was found on a movie rental machine at a Florida grocery store, according to an online report.

Besides avoiding devices that look suspicious, or show signs of being tampered with, experts suggest paying inside, instead of at the pump.

In restaurants, consumers could try to watch their card being scanned.

People should also promptly and carefully check their statements, especially with debit cards.

Contact authorities quickly if you do suspect fraud.

Anyone with information about the Philadelphia area cases, including the two men in the photographs, should call state police in Media at 484-840-1000.

Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.

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