Tucson police recovered gas pump skimmer devices at two Circle Ks on Tucson's east side.
The devices were found at the convenience stores at East Tanque Verde and North Kolb roads, and at East Golf Links and South Harrison roads, said Sgt. Pete Dugan, a Tucson Police Department spokesman, on Tuesday.
Gas customers are advised to check for seals on the face of the pump. If a seal is not found at the top of the pump, notify an attendant, said Dugan.
He also advised that customers only use pumps that do have seals.
Officers working in conjunction with the retailers found the devices attached to the interior of the gas pumps, Dugan said.
"We have also been made aware of a pattern of this occurring throughout the metro area over the past few months," said Dugan in a department Facebook post. He did not elaborate.
TPD's financial crimes unit is working with other local and state agencies, businesses and financial institutions, along with the U.S. Secret Service, in an attempt to identify those responsible, Dugan said.
He said authorities are working to "mitigate the financial cost this has on the local community."
Dugan said precautions customers should take are:
- Pay attention to the payment mechanism for any obvious signs of tampering.
- If you notice suspicious activity near any gas station pumps, notify store personnel.
- Look for a tamper evident sticker and if the sticker is broken, notify store personnel.
- Check bank statements and activity often. Report any unauthorized transaction to your financial institution.
Anyone with information about persons involved with skimmer devices at gas pumps is urged to call 88-CRIME, an anonymous tipster hotline, Dugan said. Β Β
