ID Theft at the Pump
Find out how thieves are using technology to steal credit card numbers from gas pumps.
It took four long years and more than 15,000 people to be ripped off before Southern California's High-Tech task force busted what they say is a loosely organized Latino crime unit.
Tens of thousands of unsuspecting Californians have had their credit cards "skimmed" at gas stations, from the Inland Empire to Los Angeles County. Police say the criminals have gone high-tech.
The latest scam is being called "fourth-generation" crime, because criminals continue to find new ways to keep from being exposed, says Crime Stoppers Los Angeles Executive Director Mark Speer.
In the old days, thieves would simply put "skimmers" on the pump, says Speer. Your card would be swiped and that information would end up in the skimmer.
Nowadays, thieves are "skimming" your credit card information electronically. Thanks to Bluetooth, crooks are digitally getting your info and just downloading it. You have no idea your credit card numbers are being stolen. You won't know until you get your bill.
Speer says everyone is finally working together to curb such crime rings. Because of 9/11, says Speer, major policing agencies have started to share more information. He's not kidding. In all, the LAPD, LA County Sheriff's Department, FBI, Secret Service, Homeland Security, U.S. Postal Inspector's Office, LA County District Attorney's office and Glendale Police department are working together to stop such scams.
The latest batch of suspects includes 42-year-old Jose Albizuras; 28-year-old Cesar Echeverria; and 39-year-old Albert Gonzalez. They face 78 identity theft-related charges.
Police seized cash, fake credit cards, a credit card making machine, electronic skimmers and luxury cars from the suspects' homes.
In all, officials believe $3 to $5 million was stolen.
If you want to see how the skimmers work, check out the above video, featuring Speer showing off the suspects' high-tech gear.
