PETOSKEY, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Six credit card skimmers were found at one Petoskey gas station last Thursday, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The gas station was SG Petroleum on Charlevoix Avenue.

Credit card skimmers are electronic devices used to collect credit card numbers. They can be placed internally or externally. According to Jennifer Holton, MDARD Communications Director, the credit card skimmers at the Petoskey gas station were discovered by the MDARD inspectors while conducting routine inspections.

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These skimmers weren’t the only ones found recently. Skimmers were also found at the Central EZ Mart in East Jordan and the Admiral on E. Front Street in Traverse City.

Holton told Michigan News Source, “The devices have been turned over to law enforcement who handles the investigations. Customer with questions should contact their banking institutions.”

Holton explains, “MDARD’s Motor Fuel Quality Program is responsible for ensuring consumers are getting both the quality and quantity of gas they’re paying for. During the inspection process, MDARD staff open and inspect pumps where skimmers may be located. The gas stations, law enforcement, registered service companies, etc. also help to locate and remove skimmers.“

Tips from MDARD to stay safe include reporting anything that doesn’t look right to the store clerk, paying inside, using pumps closer to the store and to closely monitor your bank accounts for any unauthorized charges. They also say to contact your credit card company immediately if you suspect your card has been compromised.

The Readers Digest has some tips about what to look for when paying at the pump. These tips include:

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• Look at the machines around you and compare the card-reading slots and keypads. If they don’t look the same, some might be equipped with credit card skimmers.

• Inspect the lockable door on the pump (it’s where the attendant loads paper for receipts) to make sure it’s firmly closed. There shouldn’t be any uneven gaps in the casing—that indicates tampering. Some gas stations place tamper-resistant seals over the door, which is something to look for, though not all stations take this extra step.

• Ensure that nothing on the point-of-sale machine wiggles. Take a few seconds to verify that everything is firmly attached.

• Be aware of hidden cameras that thieves may have installed to capture your PIN when you enter it.