Oakleaf/Argyle residents falling victim to credit card skimming

There is a growing problem in Clay County that you may not be able to fight.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office says 28 people in the Oakleaf/Argyle area have reported being victims of credit card skimming, where the card’s information is taken without the card itself actually being taken.

Investigators believe there is more than one skimming device planted. They can be placed inside of gas pumps and ATM’s or be handheld and used when you’re not watching.  While the CCSO has spent the past week checking area businesses, they have not yet located any skimming devices.

Clay County Captain Ronnie Gann says because of the state of technology now, “if you have not been a victim of your personal information compromised it is just a matter of time.”

He tells me the most vulnerable locations are stand-alone areas where you swipe a card- like at a gas pump.  The device could be in an area like that for months skimming numbers.

He says the only way to avoid being skimmed is to pay cash for a purchase.  WOKV further recommends you use ATMs inside banks to ensure they are not tampered with.  You will also want to keep a close eye on your financial statements to ensure if  your information is taken you can shut the card down quickly.

The people pictured to the left have been caught using fake cards with the skimmed information to purchase cigarettes, gift cards, gas and other items, and the Sheriff’s Office is asking for your help identifying them.  If you have any information you can call Detective Wayne Simandl at 904-264-6512.