Albany County Sheriff: Watch Out For Credit Card Skimmers

Even though a report of a credit card skimmer at a Laramie gas station apparently turned out to be bogus, the Albany County Sheriff's Office is asking people to keep an eye out and report any skimmers.

That's according to a post on the agency's Facebook page. The post says the office got a report of a possible skimmer at the Tumbleweed Gas Station. But a search of the pumps and the inside card reader didn't find any skimming devices.

Get our free mobile app

A card skimmer is a device that is made to fit over a credit card reader or machine in order to steal your account information.

The above photo from the sheriff's office details what to look for. Here is another photo with a few more details:

FBI Information On Skimmers

According to the FBI, credit card skimmers are often attached to fuel pumps and ATMs and are often found in areas popular with tourists. Using debit and credit cards with chip technology helps protect people because fewer skimmers can read account information from such cards.

The agency also says you should avoid using debit cards linked to other accounts, but should use credit cards instead of those kinds of debit cards.

The FBI also offers this advice: ''Inspect ATMs, POS terminals, and other card readers before using. Look for anything loose, crooked, damaged, or scratched. Don't use any card reader if you notice anything unusual.''

The FBI says skimmers cost American consumers and financial institutions over $1 billion each year. The agency says anyone who thinks they may have been victimized by a skimmer should contact their financial institution immediately.