A statewide gas pump skimming sweep took place this weekend in an effort to protect Labor Day holiday travelers from illegal credit card skimmers. The effort included Lawrence County Auditor Jason Stephens, along with 60 other county auditors.

As part of the sweep, more than 80 weights and measures inspectors visited 1,500 gas stations at targeted locations, inspecting more than 12,000 gas pumps for the skimming devices.

Credit card skimmers can be used to steal credit and debit card numbers as well as PIN numbers for the purpose of identity theft. The devices are also often equipped with Bluetooth technology, allowing identity thieves to access private information from a distance of up to 100 yards.

In Lawrence County, Stephens was pleased to say that there were no skimmers found with 170 card readers inspected. This has not been the case throughout the state, however, as at least 30 skimming devices have been found in Ohio gas pumps since October of last year. Although the devices have been found in 12 counties throughout the state, most have been discovered in southwest Ohio, along the I-75 corridor.

Stephens said he was happy to join the other auditors in the effort to protect travelers from identity theft.

“I’m pleased to partner with other county auditors across the state to take steps to combat this crime,” he said.

He added that due to the frequent discovery of skimming devices, the threat of the crime will continue, so consumers should always be alert while fueling.

Anything that seems out of place or indicates that the pump has been tampered with should be reported.

Consumers paying with plastic are better off using a credit card rather than a debit card, because debit card users can risk their PIN numbers being stolen. Monthly bank and credit card statements should always be reviewed to ensure there are no fraudulent charges.

“Paying for gas with cash is always the safest option,” Stephens said.