TIFTON — On Monday, July 31 two credit card skimmer devices were taken off of pumps at the Pilot gas station located on Union Road according to a report from the Tift County Sheriff’s Office.

The report states devices were discovered during routine inspection of the pumps by station employees and were removed and taken in as evidence by the TCSO.

Skimmers have been around for years, and while there are many different types, they all work in virtually the same way to steal financial information.

Many skimmers are made to fit over the card insert slot, and there is often a camera to record PIN information, according to the Georgia Department of Law Consumer Protection Unit.

Such devices can be placed on both ATMs and self checkout stations as well as gas pumps. There are ways to protect yourself from skimmers and to detect a skimmer before using a machine.

Tips to protect against skimmer theft

• Use cash to pay for gas or pay inside.

• Use your card as a credit card instead of a debit card. This will prevent anyone from getting your PIN.

• Skimmers are more likely to be installed on gas pumps that are further away from the attendant, so use the ones closest to the store.

• Always monitor your accounts closely to spot any unauthorized charges.

How to spot a skimmer

• Make sure the gas pump panel is completely closed and doesn’t show signs of tampering. Check the security seal. This seal should be a solid color. If the gas pump panel has been opened, the seal will say “void” on it.

• Examine the card reader. Does it match the other readers at other pumps?

• Wiggle the card reader; ATMS, gas pumps and self checkout stations don’t have moving parts and there shouldn’t be any movement.

What to do if you detect fraudulent activity on your account?

• Contact local law enforcement and file a report.

• Notify your bank or credit card company.

• Contact the three major credit bureaus and ask to have a fraud alert placed on your credit record. Equifax: 1-800-766-0008, Experian: 1-888-397-3742 and Trans Union: 1-877-322-8228.

• File a complaint with the Georgia Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Unit by calling 1-800-869-1123