Bluetooth gas skimmers give thieves a high-tech way to steal your credit card information
Police in Florida are sounding the alarm again about a high-tech form of theft that’s been around for a few years: bluetooth gas pump skimmers.
Another of the devices was discovered recently at a Clearwater 7-Eleven.
“Watch your bank or credit card statements closely,” the Clearwater Police Department posted on its Facebook page Tuesday.
The bluetooth-equipped devices let thieves access victims’ credit card information “without ever having to come back to the pump,” police said.
Detectives said it’s safer to use a credit card than a debit card at gas pumps, and even safer to pay with cash inside.
“It literally takes seconds for a pro to jimmy one of these doors open and plug in a skimmer,” a former gas station manager posted as a comment on the department’s Facebook post.
Other commenters chimed in with suggestions including buying gas cards.
Publix, for instance, occasionally offers discounts on gas cards with grocery purchases.
Read more at Orlando Sentinel