Skimming Devices Hit the Central Coast - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. -- Skimming Devices Hit the Central Coast. Its very hard to actually see these skimming devices on card readers and that's why so many people are targeted.

Pacific Grove Police say they've had several reports of skimming devices being used at gas stations in the area. The skimming comes from what look like pieces of plastic attached near the card reader and come in a variety of shapes and styles, made to blend in.

Another thing to look for is a keyboard placed on top of the keypad. What happens is the devices record your credit or debit card information and transmit it out to another device near the pump. One of the easiest targets to the skimming scam is people from out of town. "They would be mainly for the tourists because you know tourists are always a target. I'm a traveler and I know that it's a lot easier to be targeted if you're not from the area because you're a little nieve in that sense," said Holli Sullivan.

It's not just gas stations you need to be worried about. Anyone using an ATM can also easily be a target. "It worries me but ill be more cautious absolutely. Maybe get cash from an ATM teller inside or something rather than going to the ATM," said Ross Hamilton.

So far police have no suspects yet and have not recovered any of the skimming pieces.
Some tips to avoid being a target are to check out the pump and see if anything seems out of place. Use a pump in sight of the cashier because those are less likely to be tampered with. Go inside for card transactions or pay with cash and monitor card purchases.
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