Local gas station customers may be victims of credit card fraud

BARSTOW — Police are warning people who have recently bought gas from the Valero gas station at 2824 Lenwood Road that they may be victims of credit card fraud.

A maintenance worker called police after finding a small device attached to the credit card reader inside of a gas pump late last week, said Barstow Police Department Chief Dianne Burns. Police believe the device was placed inside the pump to capture customers’ credit card information and personal identification numbers when they scan their cards.

Burns said police have not determined how long the device was implanted in the gas pump or whether other local gas stations have also been targeted. They have not identified a suspect.

Burns urged Valero customers to check their credit card records for suspicious activity.

To report fraud or information relating to the incident, call Barstow Police Department at 760-256-2211. To remain anonymous, call WE-TIP at 1-800-78-CRIME or leave information on the WeTip Web site at www.wetip.com.

Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4123 or abby_sewell@link.freedom.com