On Thursday, June 2, 2016, a skimming device was found inside a fuel pump at the Valero gas station located off 50th and Slide. The manager, Yolanda Lopez, says this was the first time she’s ever had to deal with skimming devices inside one of her gas pumps.

“I realized after that they were that’s something where they can steal information from your credit card then it was like ‘wow,’ that’s something scary,” said Lopez.

Once a skimming device is installed within machines such as gas pumps or ATMS, it allows thieves to secretly record a customer’s credit or debit card information and steal their identity.

“It’s amazing that  something that small can actually do that, but you know that’s technology,” said Lopez.

Police were able to remove the skimming devices that were hidden inside two pumps at the station immediately.
While it is difficult to protect oneself from unknowingly using a machine that contains a skimming device, LPD says there are few ways to help:

  • Avoid paying at the pump. Walk inside to pay when possible.
  • Choose a pump near the attendant. Skimmers prefer pumps out of view of the attendants.
  • Check your account frequently and report fraudulent charges immediately.


Moving forward, Lopez says she wants her customers to feel comfortable and confident when pumping gas at her station.

“We are doing everything we can to make sure we don’t find them in our pumps. We check them daily two times a day, morning and night just to make sure we don’t find those devices anymore.”


The Lubbock Police Department urges anyone with information about this case to call Crime Line at 806-741-1000.

Below is the press release from Thursday June 23, 2016:

On Thursday, June 2, 2016, patrol officers responded to a report of a skimming device located inside a fuel pump at Valero, 5002 Slide Road. An employee performing work on one of the pumps located the device inside the fuel pump where the credit card reader housing is located. The remaining fuel pumps were checked and no other skimming devices were located. It’s unknown how long the device had been in place or how many victims had their credit card information compromised.

These skimming devices are becoming more prevalent and sophisticated. They are often very well concealed and therefore difficult to spot. The skimmers steal the information on credit cards when they are swiped. Often times, the unsuspecting victims don’t know their credit card has been compromised until they check their statements or get a call from the credit card company about suspicious activity.

There are a few ways to protect yourself.

• Avoid paying at the pump. Walk inside to pay when possible.
• Choose a pump near the attendant. Skimmers prefer pumps out of view of the attendants.
• Check your account frequently and report fraudulent charges immediately.

The Lubbock Police Department urges anyone with information about this case to call Crime Line at 806-741-1000.

NOTE: a police report indicated two devices were found.