Credit card skimmer device found at St. Johns County gas pump

The device was discovered Monday afternoon, deputies say

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – St. Johns County authorities are warning people to be on the lookout for credit card skimmers after the discovery of a device at a St. Augustine gas station.

The skimmer was found Monday afternoon on a pump at a Shell station on Beach Boulevard in St. Augustine Beach, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The device was discovered after a store clerk noticed two men acting suspiciously near the pumps. When they drove away, he checked it out and located the device.

Deputies said they're still looking for the pair, described as a white male and black male last seen leaving in a white Toyota Sequoia, in that case.

Authorities urged people to take a close look at gas pumps before they swipe their cards. If the taped seal on the machine is broken, you're better off using a different pump.

The devices, inserted over card readers, look very similar to card readers but with subtle differences. That's why the Sheriff's Office wants to make sure people can tell them apart.

"When your card slides through, they capture the information on this device and they can download it on a computer once they retrieve it," said Sheriff's spokesman Cmdr. Chuck Mulligan.

Even though the devices are frequently found on pumps and ATMs, deputies noted that people need to be vigilant elsewhere as well. They can be found at any point of sale.

To avoid falling victim to these devices, tug on the card reader to make sure it's not loose. If you're still concerned, consider paying with cash and completing your transaction inside the business.