SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FL – Two men were arrested after being found with multiple gas station skimming devices and copied credit cards during a routine traffic stop on November 8. Roslandy Garcia Cruz and Yonasan González Perez, both having out-of-state warrants for possession of skimming devices, were taken into custody by Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Deputies.
Body camera footage from the arrest showed authorities recovering nine counterfeit credit cards and three skimming devices from the suspects’ vehicle. These devices are used by fraudsters to steal credit card information at gas stations and retail locations.
Sgt. AJ Calabro from the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office explained how these skimming devices work. The most commonly known type of skimmer is one that attaches to the outside of a gas pump or point-of-sale terminal. However, the skimmers found in this case were more sophisticated—they were installed inside the pump itself. Scammers can access the internal components of the pump with tools such as a crowbar or screwdriver. Once inside, they install a device that captures and transmits the credit card information being processed through the pump.
Once the scammers capture the credit card information, they can use it to create duplicate credit cards. This enables them to rack up fraudulent charges without the victim’s knowledge. In this case, authorities recovered nine copied credit cards during the stop.
To protect yourself from falling victim to card skimming, here are some helpful tips:
Pay inside the store: Whenever possible, pay for your fuel inside rather than at the pump.
Inspect card readers: Before inserting your card, check for any signs of tampering, such as loose components or unusual attachments.
Use credit cards instead of debit cards: Credit cards offer more protection against fraud, while debit cards provide direct access to your bank account.
Monitor bank accounts regularly: Keep an eye on your statements for suspicious charges, and report any unauthorized transactions immediately.
Buy gift cards from trusted retailers: Be sure to inspect gift cards for signs of tampering before purchasing.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate this case, and both Cruz and Perez are facing charges for possession of skimming devices and fraudulent credit card use.
By staying vigilant and using these preventative measures, consumers can reduce the risk of falling victim to credit card skimming scams.