NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — Alaina Mullins, a 20-year-old college student, tried to use her debit card to get gas, and it was denied.
After several attempts at the pump and then at a Walmart, she checked her account online.
“I pulled up my bank account on my phone and it said my available balance was zero,” said Mullins.
Mullins is one of 12 cases in Nassau being investigated by the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.
Police believe her credit card information was cloned by a skimmer, which is becoming a common way for criminals to access your bank account.
The small device is placed over the area where people swipe their cards to pay.
It fits over a card reader, copies the card information so thieves can clone your credit card and then use it.
They are often found at gas stations, DVD rental kiosks, and ATM’s.
At the end of June, a skimmer was found at a Kangaroo gas pump in Amelia Island.
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Police said the recent victims’ credit card information have been used at Publix, Winn Dixie and Dollar General.
They have released pictures of several suspects using the cloned credit cards throughout the county.
Police have yet to identify them, and are offering a cash reward for anyone who can.
Mullins said she is hoping that whoever stole her information is caught. She said in the meantime, she will be changing her usual routine when she fills up her tank.
“Now I have started going in to pay with my credit card versus doing it at the pump because to me it seems a lot safer,” said Mullins.
Mullins also notified her bank, which now sends her text alerts every time a transaction is made.
She has also asked that they alert her when her account reaches a set balance.
The Nassau County Sheriff's Office posted photos of the suspect on their Facebook page on May 15 and June 5.
If you have any information on the identity of the suspect, call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.
WJAX
