ALERT! Richland Police Find Card Skimmer at Gas Station
If you used your credit or debit card at the pump at the Richland Jiffy Lube Shell station at Jadwin and Williams between Monday morning and 7:45am Wednesday, you're advised to contact your financial institution.
Richland police reported Wednesday around 7:45 am they were alerted to the presence of a skimmer device that was found on one of the pumps.
A skimmer is a device that can be installed over the top of the card swiper, or sometimes is wired into the back of the pump. Either way, it collects your personal data, including PIN number, as you swipe your card.
The affected pump is shown here in our story. When you use your card at gas stations and other places where you swipe your card, you're advised to use pumps that are the closest to the building, in clear view of the cashier. That way it's harder for a thief to install such a device. You can also look for the red tape across the seals where the correct swiper is attached. If it's broken or appears to be tampered with, don't use it and alert the clerk. You can also gently tug on the swiper, as most skimmers will be loose or dislodge. Costco and other stations in the area often use special red security tape to 'seal' or show the swipers are safe and have not been tampered with.
Officials continue to investigate, police didn't mention how they received the tip.