Skimmer found on gas station pump in NW Harris County

Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Tips to spot a credit card skimmer
Learn what to look for to avoid the devices that want to steal your personal information

Authorities are warning the public that a Texas Department of Agriculture inspector found a credit card skimmer at a gas station on the Northwest Freeway.

The inspector went to Mini Mart at 23240 Northwest Freeway to check it out after receiving a complaint and found a device on pump #3.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to the location and removed the device.

If paying at the pump with a credit card, officials recommend the following tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of a gas pump skimmer:

  • Use the pump closest to the storefront, in line of sight for store personnel
  • Before pumping, check for unusual bluetooth signals with an ID of a string of numbers and letters that could indicate a possible skimmer
  • Check that security tape on the pump cabinet has not been damaged. Torn tape might indicate the cabinet was opened without store personnel's knowledge
  • Safest bet is to pay inside with cash
  • Always save the receipt and monitor your bank statements after filling up
  • If you think you've been skimmed, contact 1-800-TELL-TDA and they will send an inspector to check it out
  • RELATED: Police show you exactly how to spot hidden ATM skimmers