Victoria Police Warn of Gas Pump Card Scam

You always hear warnings about scammers and identity theft these days, and you can never be too careful. One scam I've read about is card skimmers. These devices are attached to debit/credit card slots on bank atms and gas pump. I always look at the slot before I use one but honestly, I never expect to see one here in Victoria. Unfortunately, that's exactly what has happened.

According to a report from the Victoria Police Department, on March 10th officers responded to the 5900 block of N. Navarro St. for a call from the management of local business.  A customer, who was attempting to get fuel, alerted management that the “pay at the pump” feature malfunctioned.  It was determined that someone placed a credit card skimmer on that gas pump.

Thieves install electronic devices on ATMs and gas pumps that capture credit card numbers from the magnetic strip.  Thieves then use that information to create a phony credit card.

Although the Victoria Police Department has not responded to any other reports of these devices, they are urging individuals to check their bank statements frequently for charges.

Detective Tanya Brown says people should stay alert when pumping gas and report anyone acting suspiciously. She added that "thieves will come back to collect what they’ve stolen. They may be inserting the skimming device or downloading stolen information.”

The case will be investigated by the Property Crimes Unit, which is responsible for investigating these types of incidents.

The department is asking for anyone who might have information about this incident to contact the Victoria Police Department at (361-573-3221 or  Victoria Crime Stoppers at (361) 572-4200.  Remember if the information you give to Crime Stoppers leads to an arrest or charges being filed, you can earn a cash reward up to $10,000.00.