JEFFERSON COUNTY (KSNT) – A northeast Kansas sheriff is investigating after card scammers were recently found at two local gas stations.
27 News reached out to Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig for more information after some locals reported on social media that card scammers had been found in the county. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating these discoveries and warns residents to remain vigilant to avoid becoming a victim of one of these scams.
Herrig said the skimmers were found in the towns of McLouth and Ozawkie, at local gas stations. The first discovery of a skimmer was in McLouth last week, while another was found in Ozawkie on June 6. So far, there have been no other reports of additional skimmers being found at other gas stations or local businesses.
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“Always keep an eye on your credit card activity to make sure no one else is using it,” Herrig said in a written statement. “Some companies use adhesive tape on the front of the pumps to easily see if the pump has been tampered with, otherwise it is difficult to detect from the outside of the pumps.”
The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) describes credit card skimmers as electronic devices that capture credit or debit card information from card readers each time a card is swiped. The KDA recommends that companies implement programs to discourage criminals from installing skimmers, focus on detecting skimmers if they have been installed, and train employees on how to respond if suspicious devices are found.
Employees should check for skimmers daily, as it only takes about 10 seconds to install one. Some skimmers may seem homemade and easy to spot, while others are much more sophisticated and intended to blend into your surroundings. Skimmers can be installed on the exterior and interior of card reader devices.
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“Be suspicious of anything that is unusual or doesn’t match the other dispensers. If in doubt, turn off the dispenser and consult your service company or contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Weights and Measures.”
Kansas Department of Agriculture Statement on Credit Card Scammers
The KDA further recommends that you take the following steps if you think you have encountered a card skimmer:
- Avoid touching the device and dispenser. This is evidence of criminal activity.
- Turn off the dispenser immediately. Do not allow clients to use it in the future.
- Call the police.
- Leave the device in the dispenser until authorities can examine it and remove it.
- Save any surveillance video footage from before the device was found.
You can learn more about credit card scammers, how to combat them, and other dangers they pose by clicking here. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, contact the Kansas Attorney General’s office by clicking here.
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