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.

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 Money was withdrawn from those victims' accounts over the July 4th weekend, Portmann said.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