A credit card skimming device was found inside a card reader in a gas pump at the Union 76 gas station on Rogers Road on Wednesday, Oct. 28, after thieves wreaked havoc on Patterson residents’ bank accounts by stealing credit and debit card information, police said.

The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department said the device — which was installed after forcing entry into the pump — was not visible from the outside, and no other information was immediately available.

Gas station manager Suk Kaler said he found the device while performing a routine inspection of the pump. He said it “looked like a tape” and he had never seen anything like it, which is why he called authorities.

Detective Michael Fisher of Patterson Police Services would not comment on how many victims had card information stolen, but fraud victim Michelle Green of Patterson said police told her husband more than 15 people had made similar reports in the past three to four weeks.

Green said she and her husband are frequent visitors to the gas station and had not noticed anything suspicious about the pump. They didn’t realize anything had happened until they received a call from the fraud-monitoring department at their bank regarding more than $700 in charges made in three days.

“I’m really pissed off about all this,” she said. “We’re good customers at that station, and for this to happen — especially in tough times like this — makes me sick.”

Fisher said there have been several reports of credit card skimming in the past year and urged residents to inspect gas pumps for loose wires or suspicious devices.

With the investigation ongoing, Fisher said he could not comment on possible suspects.

“We’re looking at all avenues to figure this out right now,” he said. “I’m really looking to the public to let us know anymore information that might point us in the right direction.”

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Avoid credit card fraud

In light of the recent discovery of a credit card skimming device at a Patterson gas station, police urge people to take precautions:

• Be aware of any devices attached to the gas pump’s card reading device.

• Be aware of any hidden cameras nearby.

• Cover the PIN pad while entering PIN digits.

• Do not accept help from anyone while using a credit card at the pump.

• When possible, pay with your credit card inside the gas station or use cash.

• Closely examine bank statements and accounts for suspicious activity.

• Report any suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement.

• Anyone with information is encouraged to call Patterson detectives at 892-5071. Anonymous tips can be left by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636 or 888-60-CRIME or by texting 274637 with “tip 704” included in the message. Cash rewards may be offered for substantial information.