September 17, 2024

Skimmers found at Git N Go gas pumps in Newton

Police encourage those who purchased gas there to check bank accounts

By Christopher Braunschweig
Skimming devices were found on two pumps at the Git N Go gas station in Newton. The devices appear to have been there since July. Law enforcement is encouraging people who have used the pumps to check with their banks for any suspicious activity.

Skimming devices were found on two pumps at the Git N Go gas station in Newton. The devices appear to have been there since July. Law enforcement is encouraging people who have used the pumps to check with their banks for any suspicious activity. (Christopher Braunschweig)

Skimming devices used to steal credit card information were found in the Git N Go along First Avenue in Newton, and the police department is encouraging those who have purchased fuel in this particular gas station to monitor their financial transactions and contact their bank if suspicious activity is found.

According to an Aug. 27 press release from the Newton Police Department, authorities are investigating after five people reported their credit card information stolen. All five individuals had purchased gasoline at the Git N Go pumps located along the 800 block of First Avenue West.

Newton Police Department with the assistance of the Iowa Department of Agriculture found what they suspect to be Bluetooth skimming devices on two of the pumps that victims reported using. Police say it appears the skimmers may have been in place since late July 2024.

The affected pumps have been placed out of service. Captain Chris Wing of the Newton Police Department highly recommended people not swipe their credit or debit cards when paying and instead use either the tap or a mobile wallet because they “do not transmit card data and only transmit a token to the bank.”

To contact the Newton Police Department, call 641-791-0850.

Newton
Christopher Braunschweig

Christopher Braunschweig

Christopher Braunschweig has a strong passion for community journalism and covers city council, school board, politics and general news in Newton, Iowa and Jasper County.