Sweep finds skimmers at four Lee County gas stations

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Skimmers were found at four Lee County gas stations on Thursday following a joint operation between the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Cape Coral police and the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Skimmers were found at these locations:

• Cape Coral – Chevron Gas Station, 3 NE Pine Island Rd.
• Cape Coral – Marathon Gas Station, 1541 Del Prado Rd.
• Fort Myers – Mobil Gas Station, 11501 State Road 82.
• Bonita Springs, 7-11, 12931 Bonita Beach Rd.

“It is difficult for citizens to detect illegal skimming devices while they are pumping gas,” Cape Coral police said in a statement. “The skimmers are placed inside the paneling at the gas pump out of sight, waiting to gather your information from your credit or debit card.  Once the information is obtained it can be used for fraudulent purchases.”

Investigators examined pumps at 94 gas stations across the county.

Authorities advise motorists to look for intact security seals and utilize gas stations with the most advanced security measures to protect against pump tampering.

Anyone with information regarding gas pump skimmers is encouraged to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 239-477-1000 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).