Local criminals are targeting San Antonio drivers at the gas pump, trying to steal their personal information.
Investigators discovered a credit card skimmer at a gas station in Hollywood Park. They were tipped off after customers complained they were having trouble paying at the pump.
As it turned out, the situation was much more serious than just a computer malfunction.
Now authorities believe those filling up at the north-side gas station may be at risk for identity theft.
"They opened the gas pump machine and they found a skimming device in there," said Joe Quintero, deputy chief of police for Hollywood Park.
Duct taped inside one of the far pumps was the device.
Investigators, who discovered the contraption on Sunday, say it looks like a memory card was on the skimming machine.
They think the criminals probably planned to come back to the gas station to retrieve the stolen data.
Officers also say the thieves were familiar with this particular type of fraud.
"They went to a lot trouble to place it on the inside of the machine and duct tape it. And prepared for it to be used," says Quintero.
Hollywood Park police contacted the U.S. Department of Treasury and are now waiting to hear back about a possible federal investigation.
Investigators aren't sure how long the device had been there, and so far they haven't received any reports of possible victims, bu the investigation is ongoing.
"It's identity theft, it can lead to loss of money and damages to peoples' credit histories. It can create havoc for a person," Quintero explains.
Police are looking to see if they have any surveillance video.
If you have any information about this crime, call 210-494-3575 ext. 228.
