AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) – The state’s Division of Quality Assurance and Regulations is urging consumers to be on high alert for credit card skimming devices on gas pumps across the state.
"It's pretty scary actually how easy it could happen,” Laura Shorey said as she filled up her minivan at a Bangor gas station Friday.
Skimmers are small devices under the guise of a regular card reader, stealing people's credit card information.
The division that falls under the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, sent an alert out Thursday.
“We've been monitoring it nationwide for the last couple of years and we knew it was just a matter of time before these skimmers found their way into Maine,” Acting Director for the division Steve Giguere said.
This after the state’s first incident of its kind happened in Brewer early Sunday morning.
“We have not seen anything like this. This is a relatively new crime for us,” Sgt. Tony Pinette said.
Pinette said police arrested two men from Texas after an officer noticed a suspicious car in the gas station parking lot.
Computers, skimming devices and drills were found in the vehicle, according to Pinette.
"I just think that it's pretty ridiculous that someone would want to do that especially at the gas pump and just take advantage of people,” Shorey said.
Giguere's department oversees the inspection of pumps across the state, but he said this is something that's hard to keep up with.
"It's very sophisticated the crooks are way ahead technology-wise with the pump manufacturers,” he said.
So what can you do to keep yourself safe?
Check the actual card reader on the pump and give it a pull to see if there is a device attached.
However, not all skimming devices are on the outside.
Due to this, some pumps have a sticker over the door seal. If it's ripped, do not use it.
Remember: you can always pay inside.
"People should be vigilant and looking for suspicious you know devices that may have been attached to gas pumps or ATMs that don't look natural,” Pinette said.
Pinette said there was a full inspection of the pumps at the station where they arrested the men.
As for Shorey, a busy mom, the holiday season just is not that time.
"Especially right now it's the worst time of year to do that to anybody," she said.
