Rickers’ gas stations taking steps to stop skimmers

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), pulled a credit card skimmer out of a pump at Rickers’ gas station near 96th and Keystone on Tuesday. Police were able to locate the skimmer thanks to an investment by the gas station. Recently Rickers’ has placed seals on its pumps. If the seal has been tampered with the pump is placed out of order, and checked for a skimmer device.

“We want our customers to be safe,” said Jay Ricker, chairman of Rickers’.

Rickers’ is in the process of taking another step. The company is placing a security system on its pumps, it will alert management and maintenance that a pump has been tampered with. On Tuesday, some suspects tampered with a Rickers’ pump, the system sent an alert, and the staff at Rickers’ found the skimmer before the device could be used.

It will cost Ricker’s $3,000 per station to install the system, and about $150,000 to install the system at all of Rickers’ gas stations.

Police have video of the suspects, so far the department has not released the images to the public.

The Fishers Police Department sent out a warning on Wednesday asking the public to stay watchful. They gave tips to avoid being scammed.

1. The safest way to pay is by going inside the gas station.

2. Look at the exterior of the pump before inserting your card. Contact the cashier immediately if anything looks out of the ordinary.

3. Pay attention to your surroundings. Immediately report suspicious activity by calling 911. It appears the criminals may be sitting in a car nearby using a Bluetooth device to receive the information. If you see a person that appears to be just parked in the area please report it.

4. Monitor your credit/debit card accounts to ensure there are no unauthorized purchases.

5. As always SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!

If you have information on who is responsible for planting to the skimming devices call Crime Stoppers at 262-TIPS, or 262-8477.