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Bluesleuth device combats bluetooth credit card skimmers found in gas pumps

Published  March 28, 2019 7:00pm EDT
U.S.
FOX 29 Philadelphia

Bluetooth credit card skimming devices commonly found on gas pumps and ATM machines may have met their match after police in Mercer County have begun using a device designed to seek out the credit card swipper.

The prosecutor's office has six Bluesleuth devices and agents have started using thm during gas station inspections.

The small device picks up all Bluetooth activity in the area and logs it with a signal strength. A reading of 50 or lower is considered strong.

"It's just another layer of consumer protection," said Consumer Affairs Division Cheif, John Worth.

FOX 29's Kelly Rule accompanied Worth during his checks of stations around Ewing Township, New Jersey.

All the pumps checked out clean, but a local station owner is happy something is finally being done about skimmers.

"This industry has a problem with this and it's getting rampant now," said Stan Kaplan. "We have to step up and do something."