In an age where your credit card is an extension of your financial lifeline, a crime such as skimming can represent a menacing incursion into your personal funds. On Monday, February 17, at a seemingly innocuous 7-11 on Phelan Road, a device intended to hijack financial identities made an unwelcome appearance. As reported by SBSD Victor Valley Sheriff's Department, deputies have issued a call to arms to the community — seeking their vigilant eyes in the wake of the discovery of a skimming device attached to a fuel pump.

While reviewing his bank statement, a victim stumbled upon fraudulent charges which, in turn, sounded the alarms for the involvement of law enforcement. Deputies arrived and discovered a device secretly attached to a keypad, according to the SBSD Victor Valley Sheriff's Department.

Precautionary measures were quick to follow in the official announcement, advising the public to scrutinize card readers for tampering signs and to prioritize pumps within the guardian gaze of store employees. The shielding of a PIN, a simple act carried out by digits that dance across a keypad, is recommended to curtail the reach of such criminal devices. As case number 072500583 nests within the files of the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station, anyone with knowledge is encouraged to contact Deputy A. Mahli at 760-552-6800 or the anonymized line provided by We-Tip at 800-78CRIME.