Kissimmee police check every city gas pump for skimming devices

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A week after a credit card skimming device was discovered at several Osceola County gas stations, Kissimmee police are checking every gas pump in the city.
 
Authorities found three skimming devices in Osceola County and one in Kissimmee last week.
 
Police and the Florida Department of Agriculture found that some pumps had been tampered with. They said someone could have been planning to return to the pumps and install a skimmer.

Officials used a generic key to open pumps. Both the skimming devices and key can be found and purchased online.

Det. Jeffrey Patanjo, of the Kissimmee Police Department, said to look for blue stickers on pumps. This means that the pump can only be opened with a passcode.

"If the box is pried open, it shuts the entire pump down, so no nobody can install anything and they know that somebody gained access without putting in the proper code," Patanjo said.

Police said thieves are getting more sophisticated and investigators said this kind of theft could have a serious impact.

"You have to understand that if you've never been a victim and your debit card is used, your debit card is now shut off. So for a few days until you're reimbursed, or you can get your debit card worked out, you're without money," Patanjo said.
 
Investigators said it will take about an hour to check every pump in the city. 

Cox Media Group