A credit card skimmer, a device that surreptitiously steals credit card information, was found Tuesday on a Dublin gas pump.

"This is the first time in Franklin County — outside of Columbus — the criminals have arrived," county Auditor Clarence Mingo said after the gas station owner discovered the device at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday on a gas pump at the Marathon station at 215 W. Bridge St.

The station owner reported it to the Auditor's office, which oversees a weights and measures department responsible for ensuring the accuracy of scales, fuel pumps and similar devices. Mingo sent out inspectors who found the skimmer at 11 a.m.

The skimmer was placed inside the pump even though Mingo's office places seals on pumps to indicate they haven't been tampered with.

"How they were able to do that, law enforcement will have to resolve," Mingo said.

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Three years ago, when more and more fuel pumps had skimmers placed on them to steal credit card information, Mingo's office began inspecting all gas pumps twice annually.

The pump on which the device was found had last been inspected May 16. The station owner, though, told Mingo's office he checked it Saturday and saw nothing.

Customers who want to protect themselves, Mingo stressed, should check the credit card slot on the outside of the pump by pulling on it each time they get gas. They also should diligently check credit card statements for possible fraud and report it to police.

"Because of the fast pace of technology," he said, "pumping gas is no longer a casual affair."

Those who used a credit card to buy gas in the last week at that station are encouraged to check their statements and report anything suspicious.

kperry@dispatch.com

@kimballperry