Credit card skimmers are a relatively new worry for Ohio drivers; since Oct. 2015, 30 skimmers were found in Ohio, with many popping up in Southwest Ohio.
County auditors from around the state have joined together to pull off "Skimmer Sweep" weekend, starting this Saturday through the Labor Day holiday weekend.
“With numerous recent reports of skimmers being found in our state, we are participating in this sweep to protect unsuspecting travelers from identity theft,” Hamilton County Auditor Dusty Rhodes said in a press release Thursday. “I am pleased to partner with other auditors across the state to take steps to combat this crime.”
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At least 80 inspectors will visit more than 1,500 gas stations each, according to Rhodes' office. This totals to upwards of 12,000 gas pumps being checked for skimmers over Labor Day weekend.
Rhodes said that skimming is likely to continue because the devices are being discovered frequently. Rhodes recommends that paying for gas in-store and/or in cash, if possible.
