published: Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Skimmers hit Highlands County

By ED BALDRIDGE

ed.baldridge@newssun.com

SEBRING -- According to Nell Hays, Public Information Officer of the Highlands County Sheriff's Office, several individuals throughout the county has had their debit card information stolen by gas station "skimmers."

"Right now, another organization is handling the investigation, but I can confirm that we had had some active skimmers in the area," Hays said on Tuesday.

Here's how the scam works. A skimmer puts a electronic device on the inside of a gas pump. When someone swipes their card to pay for their gas, the device "skims" the card number, expiration date and verification code off of the card before it is processed.

The skimmer is in the area and is either taking pictures as the individual keys in their PIN number or has a camera on a pole close by that sends out the pictures.

After just a few hours, the skimmer removes the devices, having plenty of cards and PIN numbers.

"There are only three companies in the world that make keys for the gas pump doors giving access to the inside. The keys can be bought off of the Internet cheaply," Hays said.

"What the skimmers do is approach a set of pumps away from the center areas and away from the front windows. They only need two or three hours worth of information to make it worth their while," Hays said.

Hays was not sure how many individuals in Highlands County were hit by the skimmers because the reports were going to the banks first, who then filed charges with the overseeing agency.

"The banks are the ones who are the victims here. They credit back any unexplained charges if you report them in a timely manner, and they are the ones that press charges," Hays said.

Hays said that the best way to protect yourself from a skimmer was to stay diligent in reviewing your bank statements and to be aware of your surroundings.

"Go to a central pump within view of the attendant inside. Cover your hand when you key in your pin and report any unexpected charges immediately," Hays said.

"I cannot encourage people enough to watch their bank statements closely. I would encourage them to look every day if they have access online to their accounts," Hays said.

Hays did not volunteer what stations were being targeted, but did state that customers at MidFlorida Credit Union were one of the groups that had experienced problems.

"There are several banks in the county that are reporting problems, but I know for sure that MidFlorida has contacted our department," Hays said.

Representatives at the MidFlorida corporate offices had not returned phone calls by press time.