LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- A joint operation among several Lee County law enforcement agencies has discovered four illegal card skimmers at area gas stations.
Detectives with the Cape Coral Police Department Investigative Service Bureau teamed up with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a skimmer operation Thursday. This operation focused on gas stations located in Lee County, where a total of 94 gasoline stations were checked and 4 illegal skimming devices were found.
The specific locations have not been identified.
It is difficult for citizens to detect illegal skimming devices while they are pumping gas. The skimmers are placed inside the paneling at the gas pump out of sight, waiting to gather your information from your credit or debit card. Once the information is obtained it can be used for fraudulent purchases.
Gas stations have placed security seals on the pumps to add protection for their customers. It is recommended not to use the gas pump if the seal does not exist or it appears that it has been tampered with.
Anyone with information regarding illegal “skimmers” is encouraged to contact the Cape Coral Police Department at 239-574-3223. You can also submit an anonymous tip. Go to www.capecops.com/tips or text a tip-text CCPD+”Your Message” to CRIMES (274637). You can also call the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 239-477-1000 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
