Originally published Saturday, September 6, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Comments (0)
E-mail article
Print view
Puyallup debit-card scam nets at least 80 victims
The debit accounts of at least 80 people have been compromised in a skimming scheme at a Puyallup service station that has netted the thieves at least $83,000. Police say victims are still coming forward.
Seattle Times staff reporter
The debit accounts of at least 80 people have been compromised in a skimming scheme at a Puyallup service station that has netted the thieves at least $83,000. Police say victims are still coming forward.
Puyallup police, the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and several banks are working to identify those who stole the debit-card information last summer and cashed in only during this past Labor Day weekend. They believe someone set up a "skimmer" at an Arco gas-pump debit machine at 1502 S. Meridian in August and September 2007, said Puyallup police Sgt. Ryan Portmann.
A skimmer is a small electronic device that scans and stores card information.
"They're very difficult to notice," Portmann said. "... When you're looking at the machine, the front is sometimes sticking out more than an ATM-type machine. If you tug a little bit, it might even pull free ... they're often Velcroed or superglued."
The crooks waited a year to make cash withdrawals from the accounts of their victims, probably hoping the three-day weekend would give them more time before banks and victims found out, Portmann said.
Police believe the case is related to one in which another Pierce County Arco station was skimmed in August and September of 2007. Money was withdrawn from those victims' accounts over the July 4th weekend, Portmann said.
People who believe their accounts have been compromised can call Puyallup Police Department at 253-841-5415.
Noelene Clark: 206-464-2321 or nclark@seattletimes.com
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
NEW - 12:56 AM
Arson suspect has long history of setting fires
NEW - 01:27 AM
Band of advocates, activists now McGinn's likely insiders
Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
NEW - 01:26 AM
Kirkland annex 'yes' could be slipping away
Licata looks at boosting traffic-ticket revenue

Opening day at Crystal Mountain
Skiers crowded the slopes at Crystal Mountain for one of the resort's earliest openings.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Seattle U. Men's Hoops | Big recruit goes from Huskies to Redhawks
- Razor found in muffin an accident, 'mortified' baker says
- Mariners sign Jack Wilson to 2-year contract
- Suspect's family shaken by slaying of police officer
- Mountlake Terrace woman reports razor in muffin
- Ivar's undersea billboards a hoax devised as marketing ploy
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
628 - Seattle man to pack a pistol into community center to protest mayor's ban
180 - Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
177 - GOP clueless as families struggle with health care
158 - ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
125 - KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
125 - Mariners sign Jack Wilson to 2-year contract
110 - Prosecutor weighs death penalty in police slaying
103 - Wright State game thread
96 - Person of interest in custody in connection with Greenwood arsons
93
- Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- Ivar's undersea billboards a hoax devised as marketing ploy
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- Washington in race for federal education funds
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Goodwill's Glitter Sale is Nov. 14-15
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Boeing: 787 fix is complete on first plane
- Seattle U. Men's Hoops | Big recruit goes from Huskies to Redhawks





