Credit card numbers, pins stolen at S. Tahoe gas station

Anyone who has used a credit or debit card at the Safeway gas station in South Lake Tahoe may be a victim of fraud.

South Lake Tahoe police officers found a skimming device Feb. 13 at the station on Highway 50. A tip to the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office that was forwarded to the police led to the discovery.

A skimming device was found at the South Lake Tahoe Safeway gas station. Photo/LTN

“The victim’s credit card information was stolen using a skimmer. A skimmer is a device that it used to steal credit card information,” a press release from SLTPD says. “Skimming can occur when a third party card reading device is installed by an identity thief, either out¬side or inside a fuel dispenser or other card-swiping terminal. This device allows the thief to capture a customer’s credit and debit card information, including their PIN, with each card swipe.”

Officers suggest any who purchased fuel at the station this month to monitor their credit card statements. They said there is more than one victim.

If you have any information about the suspect or if have been a victim of this type of fraud, call (530) 542.6100 or Secret Witness at (530) 541.6800.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report