Number of credit card skimmers found at gas stations has more than doubled

PHOENIX (KSAZ) -- As we head into the holiday travel season, a warning for travelers: the number of credit card skimmers found at gas stations has more than doubled.

According to the Department of Weights and Measures, which checks for skimmers at gas stations across Arizona, 119 skimmers have been found in 2018 so far.

In 2017, that number was just 57.

The skimmers are hard to spot, and customers may not know they're a victim until they see suspicious activity on their bank accounts.

Officials, however, say there are ways to protect yourself.

"When you go to fill up, you need to go ask the attendant when is the last time you checked for skimmers on your pumps," said Mark Killian, Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture. "If they haven't checked them for a while, pay cash or go somewhere else."

Other steps to take include damaged or loose equipment on the gas pump, using a credit card with a low limit, or run a debit card as a credit card to avoid entering the PIN, and keeping a close eye on your bank account.

Arizona Department of Weights and Measures - Credit Card Skimmers
https://agriculture.az.gov/weights-measures/fueling/credit-card-skimmers