NORTH COAST, Calif. – Authorities in Mendocino County are investigating a case involving the use of credit card skimmers to defraud customers at both gas stations in Hopland.

The skimmer or scanning devices were discovered on Friday, according to a report from Sgt. Luis Espinoza of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.

Late Friday morning a Mendocino County Sheriff's deputy was requested to respond to Hopland for the reported discovery of a suspected credit card skimmer inside a pump at a gas station in the 13500 block of Highway 101. Espinoza did not give the name of the gas station but the Hopland Valero is located at that address.

The deputy met with a Mendocino County Agriculture Weights and Measures Department representative who had responded following a report regarding potential identity theft stemming from a purchase of gas from that specific gas station, Espinoza said.

Espinoza said the identity theft victim identified unauthorized charges to their credit card account following their use of the card at the gas station and suspected their credit card information and pin were stolen.

The deputy, along with the county agriculture representative, then proceeded to investigate all the gas pumps at the location. In total, Espinoza said five of eight pumps were identified as having the locking mechanisms defeated indicating someone had accessed the interior components of the gas pump.

Only four gas pumps were identified with scanning devices. Espinoza said all four scanning devices were removed and collected as evidence in this investigation.

Based on the number of devices located at the first gas station a check of the other gas station in town, Hopland Food and Gas, was conducted. Espinoza said the completed inspection revealed three additional scanning devices, bringing the total number of scanning devices to seven.

Espinoza said there are unconfirmed reports multiple victims have been affected by these devices. If you believe you are the victim of identity theft or fraud stemming from your purchase at a local gas station please contact your financial institution and local law enforcement agency to document the loss.

Based on the location of the devices recovered they were not readily recognizable and would not be visible to the consumer during the transaction. However, Espinoza said consumers should always consider inspecting any credit or debit card machine for loose or cleaner-than-usual parts indicating someone has tampered with the device.

Additionally, inspect locking mechanisms located on gas pump panels which contain the card reader and pin pad. He said evidence of forced entry at the identified gas station pumps was present and readily apparent after closer inspection.

Anyone with information concerning the unauthorized access and installation of the recovered credit card scanning devices from Hopland is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office tip-line at 707-234-2100.