The Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office/Department of Weights and Measures is warning of the dangers of “skimmers” after finding one at a North County gas station.

Skimming devices are often used to steal credit card information, including PINs and ZIP codes.

The device was found Jan. 13 at a Guadalupe gas pump. After being notified, the department’s Consumer Protection Division made a sweep of the surrounding area and stations throughout the county to check for additional devices. None were found.

Skimming devices can be internal or external and come in many shapes or sizes. The intent of installing these is always the same, to steal credit or debit card information, including PIN digits and ZIP codes, the department said.

The majority of skimming devices are installed internally; they intercept customer’s information as it is being transferred from the sales system.

Additionally, skimmers like those found recently, are installed externally. These retrofit devices are falsely portrayed as a true component of the machine and installed over the top or front of the original. They store the “skimmed” information, and are later removed from operation to download that data, the department explained.

Trends show that skimmers are typically installed at gas pumps furthest from the staff kiosk, and where cameras are unlikely to be installed.

External skimming devices target credit or debit card-swipe readers as well as PIN pads.

Customers are urged to use “tap” to pay when available to bypass the swiping readers. When those are not available, going inside the location to pay can also be a financially safer practice.

The Consumer Protections Division said it is taking a vigilant approach in inspection of filling stations countywide, and is providing education and outreach to local station managers.

Skimming devices removed from operation are carried by county inspectors and used as a show-and-tell tool to display the level of intricate fraud that’s occurring.

Filling station managers are advised to use security tape on their equipment and to check for manipulation frequently.

To report suspect equipment at filling stations or improper performance of equipment call County of Santa Barbara Agricultural Commissioner’s Office/Department of Weights & Measures, 805-681-5600.