Credit card skimmers are still being found in Michigan more than one year after the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development found the state’s first skimmer in the Grand Rapids area, according to MDARD Director Jamie Clover Adams.

“Approximately 70 credit card skimmers have been found and removed from gas pumps statewide since last year,” said Clover Adams. “Credit card skimmers will not be tolerated in Michigan. MDARD’s Weights and Measures inspectors, gas station owners, and law enforcement remain on the hunt for skimmers to protect the state’s consumers from fraud.”

Credit card skimmers, which can’t be seen from outside the pump, can be installed in seconds. Criminals use keys to open the pumps quickly, insert the skimmers, and then leave. The skimmers copy the consumer’s card information for criminals to make fraudulent purchases.

Local, state and federal regulators, various law enforcement agencies, and gas station owners continue to be on the lookout at gas pumps across Michigan as part of the ongoing efforts to crack down on consumer credit card information being hacked by credit card skimmers.

“Some steps station owners can take, and have taken, to protect their patrons from cyber-criminals are changing locks, using tamper-proof security tape, and security cameras. MDARD is also encouraging station owners to increase their regular dispenser inspections,” added Clover Adams.

The Daily Press