Inspectors Find Credit Card Skimmers at Gas Stations Across Michigan

Identity theft is a real problem for Michigan residents. Hackers and thieves threaten credit card security online and at the register. But this year, the Michigan Department of Agriculture has found remarkable numbers of credit card skimmers at gas station pumps across the state.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture is responsible for inspecting all of the gas pumps across the state. It monitors everything from gas quality, to safety, to consumer protection issues. After police arrested five people suspected of stealing consumers' identities, the agency kicked its investigation into high gear. Craig VanBuren, Director of the Consumer Protection Section told NBC News:

“It's crazy, . . . What we're finding since August has just really blown our mind.”

What were they finding? Credit card skimmers – multiple every week. Skimmers are small devices that secretly record credit card information when a consumer uses a regular credit card reader. Your transaction goes through as normal, so you may not even realize it has happened until a thief has stolen your identity and your money.

Identity thieves are able to buy these skimmers on Ebay for as little as $100. Then they use a master key (also available online), they open up the pay-at-the-pump credit card readers and install the skimmer device.

“'It's just that easy,'” VanBuren said, 'And if you don't have a reason to look at your security film, you're not going to catch them in the end.'”

When identity thieves go undetected, it can cost consumers a lot of money. Most banks and credit card companies have ways you can challenge fraudulent charges. But if you aren't regularly monitoring your accounts, you could miss your opportunity to get your money back.

And the money doesn't come back right away. As your financial institutions investigate your claim, you could be stuck with frozen accounts and no way to pay bills or even buy groceries.

Even when you have contested the charges, collections companies may still come after you for payment. Some will even require a police report documenting the theft before they will let you off the hook.

Last year, skimmers cost American consumers nearly $2 billion. And that number is on the rise. If your credit card is compromised, make sure you take action. Talk to a consumer protection attorney like Dani K. Liblang of The Liblang Law Firm, P.C. She can help you fend off collections companies and get back your peace of mind.