KINGMAN, Ariz. (AP) - Authorities say reports of thefts of credit and debit card information through gas pumps around Arizona have risen at an alarming rate.
Arizona Department of Agriculture officials say 52 skimmer devices have been found so far this year, including most recently at a gas station last month in Kingman.
In comparison, only 11 skimmers were found last year.
Department director Mark Killian tells the Kingman Daily Miner (https://bit.ly/2c0A2aq) that suspected scammers are using them more frequently as more consumers switch over to cards with chips.
According to Killian, it is much more difficult to access personal information through the chip.
He calls the effort to halt skimmers an “all-out war.”
Gov. Doug Ducey signed a law this year to increase the felony penalty when criminals use skimmers for financial gain.
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Information from: Kingman Daily Miner, https://www.kingmandailyminer.com
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