Ashland officials warn credit card skimmer found at gas station

Skimmers will sometimes cause credit card readers to look different than others. For example, the card reader on the left has a skimmer attached; the reader on the right doesn't.

UPDATE: Police determine no card skimmer at Ashland station

ASHLAND — Those who recently have stopped for gas in Ashland will want to check their credit card receipts closely.

Village officials confirmed Tuesday that a skimmer was found on one of the pumps at Casey's General Store, 103 E. Washington St.

Skimmers are illegal devices attached to credit card readers that can steal valuable personal information by reading a card's magnetic strip, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The data stolen can be used to make purchases or sometimes is sold online, according to the FTC.

Those who are worried their card might have been compromised should contact their bank or credit card company, the village said in a statement.

Skimmer use has become more widespread in the past few years. Data analytics company FICO estimates it grew about 700% last year, and the FBI said skimming costs people and businesses more than $1 billion a year.

The devices can be difficult to detect, but the FTC says it can be beneficial to take a minute or two to look at the gas pump reader to make sure it doesn't look different than the others. Also, make sure the gas pump panel is closed and doesn't show any signs of tampering.

It also is recommended that one use debit cards as credit cards at the pump and not enter a PIN. That can help prevent crooks from using the number to access bank accounts.

"If your credit card has been compromised, report it to your bank or card issuer," according to the FTC. "Federal law limits liability if your credit, ATM, or debit card is lost or stolen, but your liability may depend on how quickly you report the loss or theft."