On March 22, 2023, credit card skimming devices were located on two gas pumps at the BP gas station located at 121 South Main Street.  To date, Newark Police have not received any reports from victims of the credit card skimmers.

According to the FBI:

• Skimming occurs when devices illegally installed on ATMs, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, or fuel pumps capture data or record cardholders’ PINs. Criminals use the data to create fake debit or credit cards and then steal from victims’ accounts. It is estimated that skimming costs financial institutions and consumers more than $1 billion each year.
• Tips when using a fuel pump:
  • Choose a fuel pump that is closer to the store and in direct view of the attendant. These pumps are less likely to be targets for skimmers.
  • Run your debit card as a credit card. If that’s not an option, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN.
  • Consider paying inside with the attendant, not outside at the pump.

More tips from the FBI about avoiding skimming scams can be found here.

The Newark Police Department reminds everyone to monitor their credit card and bank statements for suspicious charges.  If suspicious charges are observed, the issuing bank should be contacted immediately.

Anyone with information about this incident, or who believes they may be a victim of this credit card skimmer, is asked to contact Det. T. Gerasimov at (302) 366-7100 x. 3474 or tgerasimov@newark.de.us.  Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where reward information may also be available.