VALDOSTA — Valdosta Police report that a credit card skimmer was found at a local gas station.

According to the report “the gas station attendant reported a malfunction to their respective corporate office and the responding technician found a Credit Card Skimmer device illegally wired to the pump’s credit card scanner.”

Police responded to the scene and confiscated the device.

“Millions of Americans pay with a credit card while refueling their automobiles everyday across the nation. Criminals have been increasing their use of ‘Credit Card Skimmers’ as a means of theft while customers are paying for gasoline. ‘Credit Card Skimmers’ are small, electronic devices that are illegally attached to an outside gas pump and when a customer’s credit card is inserted, the device will steal the credit card information off an unknowing victim’s credit card. Gas stations are most often targeted that are closer to interstates (Ref: creditcard.com),” according to the report.

Valdosta Police shared safety aspects identified to prevent becoming a victim:

• Use a credit card, not a debit card, when you pay.

• If any part of the pump scanner is loose, or appears to have been manipulated, DO NOT use.

• Use your issuer’s fraud alerts and check your card statements.

• Set up fraud alerts on your credit cards.

• Pay inside, with cash or a credit card, rather than at the pump.

• Consider paying or withdrawing cash with your digital wallet.

“The Valdosta Police Department urges citizens to be cautious when using gas pumps and to notify law enforcement if you discover a device,” said Lieutenant Adam Bembry.