The Grays Harbor County Sheriffs Office says that over the weekend, deputies were made aware of a skimming device that was located inside the gas pumps at the Central Park 7-11.

Skimming devices collect credit/debit card numbers and are often placed on gas pumps and ATM's by thieves, who will then use the information to make fraudulent charges.

The skimming device located at the 7-11 was removed by store employees and turned over to law enforcement. Based on the investigation, it appears that the device may have been on the pump for some time. The Sheriff's Office was first made aware of the possible device on a gas pump on January 5, 2024 but unfortunately, it was not discovered until January 19, 2024. The device was not a typical skimming device that is often placed over the credit card reader on the pump. This device was located inside of the gas pump, allowing it to go undetected for some time. The Sheriff's Office in continuing to investigate this incident and locate those responsible for placing the device inside of the pump.

When using a card at the pump it is better to use a credit card rather than a debit card because, generally credit cards offer better consumer protections against fraud, and they are not directly linked to your bank account.

The Sheriff's Office also suggest looking over the pump before inserting or swiping your credit or debit card. Skimming devices are sometimes located on the outside of the pumps and are placed over the card reader. In this case, the skimming device was located on the inside of the pump. For this reason, it is good practice to look over the gas pump door and make sure the seam is secured by tamperproof tape that is placed on the pump by the gas companies. If this tape has been compromised, or you believe a skimming device has been placed on the pump, please contact the store employees or law enforcement immediately.

If you believe you used the gas pumps at the Central Park 7-11 around the timeframe mentioned, please check your accounts and contact the Grays Harbor Sheriff's Office if you notice suspicious charges. The non-emergency dispatch number is 360-533-8765.