Police have opened an investigation after a credit card skimmer was found on a gas pump.
Officers with the Lebanon Police Department said the device was found March 22 on a pump at the Shell station in the 900 block of Murfreesboro Road. Authorities said it's one of the more advanced credit card skimmers on the market.
"There are all sorts of different plans and programs [thieves] use," said Corporal PJ Hardy with Lebanon Police. "This one is a little more intricate because it actually uses a computer component."
Investigators were able to determine the device contained several individuals’ credit card information. They confirmed the information was not compromised due to the device being found.
If the information was stolen, a lot of damage could have been done.
"Most of what they do with the information is purchase things online," Hardy said. "They can also access people's bank accounts."
A possible suspect vehicle was seen at the pump during the time authorities believe the device was installed on March 20.
That vehicle was described as a 2004-2008 four door Ford F-150 with an unknown color trim. The truck also had a black wheel, possibly a spare tire, on the rear driver’s side and graphics on the bed.
Authorities recommend using only cash or using a debit card that has a limited amount of money in the account. Using a gas pump closer to the front door of the store could also help.
"Usually the camera system are going to have better focus on that area," added Hardy. "Cashiers pay more attention to people maybe playing around with the machine and that sort of thing."
Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact Detective Jay Spicer at 615-443-2832.
