• MDARD Weights and Measures Inspector Samantha Hartman checking gasoline pumps for skimmers (Photo Credit: MDARD)

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - If you're out getting gas this week, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's (MDARD) Director of Communications, Jennifer Holton, suggests using inside pumps that are in clear view of the attendant as they're less likely to have a credit card skimmer installed.

According to Holton, a total of 15 credit card skimming devices have been found primarily in the west Michigan area in the last six weeks.

Skimming devices are illegally installed inside gas pumps and cannot be seen on the outside of the pump. Credit card information is copied to the device once a consumer swipes their credit card.

While their staff continues to look for these devices, Holton says there is something consumers can do to protect themselves.

"Be diligent about checking your banking statement and your credit card statement... that's just always a good rule to live by. Use the pumps on the inside; what we're seeing primarily is that these skimming devices are being installed on the outside pumps, ones that aren't visible to the attendant," said Holton.

All of the skimming devices that were found have been turned over to local law enforcement for further investigation.