Card skimmers found on gas pumps in Horry County, here’s how to protect yourself

The Horry County Police Department is warning the community to be wary after officers found two credit card skimmers on gas pumps in the south end of the county.

Card skimming is a type of credit card theft in which a small device is used to steal credit card information during a credit or debit card transaction.

When a card is swiped through a skimmer, it captures all the details stored in the card's magnetic strip which someone can use to make fraudulent charges.

According to a Tweet from the department, the skimmers found in the county were placed on the inside of the pump, which customers may not be able to see.

To help protect yourself while you’re making a transaction with your card, Bank of America says to be aware of people and your surroundings before, during and after your transaction.

The company also says to shield the key pad with your hand or body while entering your PIN, as skimmers often place a camera within view of the keypad to steal your PIN.

HCPD stated if the seal is broken or the gas pump appears to have been tampered with, to call authorities.

This story was originally published December 16, 2017 at 3:53 PM with the headline "Card skimmers found on gas pumps in Horry County, here’s how to protect yourself."