Wood County Auditor Matthew Oestreich inspected gas pumps along with Weights and Measures Division personnel in an effort to combat financial data theft.
“Our office is engaged in a ‘skimmer sweep’ of all gas pumps in Wood County,” Oestreich said. “This is a coordinated effort by county auditors across northwest Ohio. As of this date, we have inspected 260 gas pumps in service across the county, and have found no credit card skimmers. Even though we haven’t found any skimmers thus far in this year’s sweep, we need to remind consumers to be wary of the presence of credit card skimmers on gas pumps. Vigilance by customers and filling station personnel will be the frontline defense against these criminals. I continue to encourage daily inspections by gas station owners, to supplement the inspections by our personnel.”
“Skimmers” are installed by criminals to steal credit card data. The Weights & Measures Division of the Auditor’s Office inspects gas pumps at 70 stations across Wood County. Anyone suspecting the presence of a skimmer, or witnessing the tampering of a gas pump or credit card reader, should contact local law enforcement.
Consumers should know that paying for gas with cash is always the safest option at the pump. Using a credit card is safer than using a debit card, as customers using a debit card risk their PIN numbers being stolen. Motorists should use pumps near the attendant, as criminals often target pumps further from view.
The Wood County Auditor’s Office can be reached at 419-354-9150.
