Skimmer Sweep Protects Consumers Ahead of Holiday Weekend

Franklin County OH Auditor

July 3, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Monica Moran, 614.378.2879

Monica.Moran@franklincountyohio.gov

 

Skimmer Sweep Protects Consumers Ahead of Holiday Weekend

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ahead of the Independence Day holiday weekend, Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano announced Friday that inspectors had conducted an independent sweep of gas station credit card readers and found no fraudulent skimmers. Skimmers are devices installed by would-be thieves which illegally harvest credit card information from gas station credit card readers.

“Consumer protection is one of my top priorities. This sweep will help ensure that residents and businesses can be confident their money and information is safe as they travel this holiday weekend,” Stinziano said.

The round of inspections, which took place over two days this week, was conducted independently by Auditor’s office inspectors. Twenty one stations with 158 credit card readers were checked by weights and measures inspectors, and a sticker was affixed to the pumps verifying the inspection.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, inspectors wore personal protective gear and maintained proper social distancing from customers.

“I want to thank the station owners and workers for working with us to keep credit card information safe from would-be criminals. Our office will continue to be vigilant to prevent this kind of fraud in the future,” Stinziano said.

Consumers are reminded to call 614-525-SCAM to report suspected fraud to the Auditor's hotline.

For more information on how the Auditor’s office works to protect consumers from fraud, visit the office’s Weights and Measures website.

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