SIERRA VISTA – Sierra Vista Police are warning the public once again after being advised of an apparent failed attempt to place a skimmer on a fuel pump. Specifically, motorists are reminded to check for security stickers at local gas station pumps in order to avoid skimmer devices that steal credit card information.
The warning comes after management at a local gas station reported one of their pumps had been tampered with.
According to the Sierra Vista Police Department (SVPD), management at the Valero gas station located at 3999 E. Fry Blvd. reported the tampering on Friday. May Armstrong, manager of the gas station, told SVPD that she discovered two security seals on one pump had been tampered with while she was conducting the daily pump check.
If the seals are damaged or tampered with, the word “void” appears across the sticker.
Armstrong also noticed computer wires had been pulled out of the machine, according to SVPD.
SVPD officers found that the pump had been opened but no skimmer device was located. SVPD says that it is possible the individual trying to attach such a device was scared off before completing the job.
SVPD is working with Valero to review security footage to see whether the suspect can be identified. Armstrong said Valero checks their pumps daily and that they will automatically shut down if a skimmer device is attached, not allowing the credit card to be scanned.
Security stickers are found either on the front or side of the pump where the access door is located. If a motorist finds a security sticker with “void” across it or if the sticker is missing, they should notify gas station management immediately, according to SVPD.