Montgomery Co. Auditor conducts skimmer sweep; tips to keep you safe this Memorial Day weekend

Millions of Americans will be traveling this Memorial Day weekend as the official start of summer begins. Along with all the traveling around the country, comes the increased awareness that credit card skimmers are out there to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers.

On Wednesday, Montgomery County Auditor Karl Keith outlined the details of a credit card skimmer sweep that his office is performing this week.

Keith’s weights and measures inspectors will be working in two-person teams to inspect gas pumps across Montgomery County. He said more than 400 pumps were inspected on Tuesday with another 400 plus to be inspected today.

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According to Keith, the first skimmer ever found in Montgomery County was in 2013. However, no skimmers have been found in the county since 2018. He said in total 115 skimmers have been found in Ohio.

The following are tips that consumers and motorists will need to know as they hit the roads this long holiday weekend:

· Always use cash or a credit card that has protection services included.

· Always use gas pumps that are closest to the store and/or attendant

· Check your bank and/or credit card statements regularly

· Be alert – if you see anything suspicious or suspicious activity, report it.