Police investigate skimming scam in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs police are investigating after a card skimmer was found Tuesday evening at a gas station.

Workers found the skimmer at the 7-Eleven in the 1400 block of North Academy Boulevard, police said.

Police said the device, wrapped in electrical tape and wires, was placed inside the pump. Unlike other popular skimming techniques, the device was not noticeable judging by the exterior of the pump.

Jeff Markle, director of marketing for the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado, told KRDO NewsChannel 13 that all scams are on the rise this time of year.

“We always see an increase in scams, just in general, during the holiday time because there are more people about. There are more people shopping,” Markle said. “It doesn’t surprise me that this would happen around this time.”

Markle suggested being aware of your surroundings to detect skimmers, especially at gas stations and ATMs.

“People have gotten pretty savvy at making them look like they fit in,” Markle said. “We encourage folks to look around and feel around that scanner to make sure it’s not an extra piece.”

Colorado Springs police say the only sure bet to avoid a skimmer is to pay with cash at the pump. They also suggest using gas pumps closest to the attendant station because they are less likely to be targeted by crooks.

If you think you’ve been a skimming victim, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.