Patterson gas station finds id theft device

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A manager at a Patterson gas station discovered a device used to steal credit card information from customers at one of the gas pumps, the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department reported Wednesday.

The device was found at the 76 gas station on Rogers Road in Patterson.

Sheriff's officials said the device was not visible to customers and was installed after forcing open the gas pump without the gas station employees' knowledge.

It's not clear to investigators how long the device had been inside the gas pump or how many victims' credit or debit card information was compromised.

The gas station manager found the device and alerted Patterson police services.

Detectives then removed and seized the device.

Sheriff's officials asked gas station owners or managers to inspect gas pumps regularly.

Officials urged residents to be aware of any hidden cameras or suspicious devices attached to gas pumps, to cover the keypad while entering personal identification numbers, to not accept help from anyone while using a credit card at the gas pump, to pay with a credit card inside the gas station or use cash if possible, to closely examine bank statements for suspicious activity and to report any suspicious activity immediately to the nearest law enforcement agency.

Sheriff's officials ask anyone with information about this case to call Patterson police services detectives at 892-5071 or Crime Stoppers at 521-4636.

Tipsters can send e-mails through the Crime Stoppers Web site, www.modestopolice.com/CrimeStoppers, or text tips to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus a message.

Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward.