Local, state officials warn of credit-card skimmer threat

Turns out there’s more to make Central Floridians’ heads spin at the gas pump than just fuel fumes: card skimming.

On Wednesday, local law enforcement agencies and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam discussed the growing threat across the state at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Central Operations.

Perpetrators generally “skim” cards at ATMs and gas pumps using devices that look like part of the machine but actually records victims’ information and films them inputting their PINs, sheriff’s office spokeswoman Deputy Ingrid Tejada-Monforte said.

Despite legislative crackdowns, skimming seems to be on the rise in Florida; the 285 devices detected on gas pumps since January trump the 219 found throughout 2016, said Putnam and Aaron Keller, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services spokesman. In 2015, authorities found 169 skimmers on gas pumps statewide, Keller said.

During the past 18 months, officials detected 19 skimmers on gas pumps and ATMs throughout unincorporated Orange County, said Sheriff Jerry Demings. Two devices were found attached to ATMs in the last week, and the incidences are concentrated “in the tourism corridor,” he said.

Skimming costs victims an average of $1,000, Putnam said.

The public can help protect themselves from skimmers by using cash or credit cards — not debit cards — at gas stations, making sure the cabinet underneath the pump is securely closed and checking that the machine’s security tape is intact. They should also avoid pumps on the station’s outskirts, which Putnam said more often have skimmers.

ATM customers should pull on the card reader and receipt dispenser to make sure they’re real, Tejada-Monforte said.

People who suspect they’ve been targeted in a skimming scheme can call law enforcement. Gas station victims should also report the problem to store clerks and call the Department of Agriculture using the phone number displayed on pumps.