Card skimmers found at gas stations in Sarasota County. Here’s how to protect your money

Credit card skimmers were recently discovered at two gas stations in northern Sarasota County, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department.

The first device was discovered during a routine pump inspection on Friday at a 7-Eleven located at 1721 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota.

On Monday, another device was found during a pump inspection at a 7-Eleven located at 5420 N. Lockwood Ridge Road., Sarasota.

Deputies removed the devices at both locations.

The sheriff’s office advises customers who recently bought gas at either station to monitor accounts and bank statements for suspicious transactions of any amount.

The sheriff’s office also provided the following safety tips for customers to remember at the pump:

• Pay with cash inside the store when possible. If you do not have cash, use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards have better fraud protection.
• Check for signs of tampering at the pump. This includes a broken security seal over the door. If something seems out of place, notify gas station personnel.
• Monitor bank statements regularly to spot unauthorized charges. If something does not add up, contact your bank immediately.

Anyone with information about the skimming devices can contact the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office at 941-861-4900. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Sarasota County at 941-366-8477 or sarasotacrimestoppers.com.