- April 19, 2024
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By: Shannon Martin
Public Affairs Officer, Flagler County Sheriff's Office
This holiday season, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is collaborating with the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture to warn residents of potential scams they could be facing at the gas pumps. View their PSA video at https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=355132388628421 or at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PUgutUhBRM&feature=youtu.be
A gas pump skimmer is a small electronic device inserted into the debit/credit card reader at the gas pump used to copy your credit or debit card information. Once your bank information is copied, crooks are then able to gain access to your account and to your money. In 2019 alone, the Department of Agriculture has removed almost 1,300 gas skimmers state-wide. Thirty of those gas skimmers were found in Flagler County.
In a short public service announcement, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried alert the public to this gas pump scam and are offering residents tips on how it can be avoided.
“I am very thankful to Commissioner Fried for her partnership in getting this message out to our residents in Flagler County and across the state,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “The holidays can be a hectic time and that is exactly what these thieves are counting on. The success of their scam depends on you being in a rush and not paying attention. Don’t be an easy target! Taking a few extra seconds to be safe at the pump can save you a lot of money and a lot of hassle.”
“During the busy holiday travel season, criminals will be working hard to scam you at the gas pump -- it’s crucial that people are aware of exactly what to look out for, because each skimmer can defraud consumers up to a million dollars,” shared Commissioner Nikki Fried. “We’re proud to work with local law enforcement offices across the state and thankful for the partnership of Sheriffs like Rick Staly in taking on fraud that is impacting consumer rights and interests, and the economic security of all Floridians.”
For more information on how you can be safe at the pumps this holiday season visit www.fdacs.gov/skimmers.
