Three area gas stations targeted by crooks using skimmers

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. - Skimmers designed to steal personal information were placed on gas pumps at three different gas stations in Hillsborough County over the last week, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

Once attached, the skimmers can steal credit card information from anyone who uses the pump.

All three gas stations were Race Trac stations.

The first is located at 4222 Gunn Highway, near Linebaugh Avenue.

The second is located at 205 Bearss Avenue, near Interstate 275.

The third is located at 4102 W. Waters Avenue, near Dale Mabry Highway.

The skimming devices were detected and have been removed, said Cpl. Kevin Bodie with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was unclear how many people had been victimized, he said.

Bodie said the skimmers are about the size of a thumb drive and it can be attached in just seconds. Unfortunately, they are attached inside the pump, so it is impossible for someone pumping gas to detect it.

Bodie recommends paying in cash if possible.

At the very least, he suggests pumping at pumps that are visible to the clerk. Those are the least likely for crooks to attach a skimmer.