Two credit card skimmers were found on gas pumps at a Mobil station in Naples Friday, according to the Naples Police Department. The skimmers were discovered during a routine inspection by the Florida Department of Agriculture at the Mobil on U.S. 41 and Anchor Rode Drive.
Earlier this month, three skimmers were located at another Mobil station in North Naples. So far this year, nearly 370 skimmers have been discovered at Florida gas stations.
Jill Whitmarsh of Naples said it's a good idea to take a good look at the pump before swiping a credit card.
"I always examine the card reader and make sure doesn't move, or look like it's been manipulated in any way," Whitmarsh said.
Naples Police are still working to find out who installed the skimmers, how long they were in place and how much credit card information might have been compromised.
Lt. Seth Finman of Naples PD said the thieves only have to get physical access to the gas pump once.
"Once the gas pump is put back together, the suspect can read credit card information remotely via Bluetooth," Finman said.
He said that other than going inside the store to pay cash, drivers should also use debit cards as a credit card.
"There's much better fraud protection with a credit card as opposed to a debit card," Finman said.
He also advised using a gas pump closer to the door of the gas station, since thieves are more likely to install skimmers farthest from the door.
Anyone with information about the latest crime can call Naples Police at 239-213-3000.
