Law enforcement officials are issuing a warning about credit card skimming at local gas stations.

Thieves pretend to be fuel pump inspectors so they can easily put skimming devices on credit card readers. Police say it is a billion-dollar industry.

In Georgia, officials have put a plan into place.

Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black said: "We've put together very quickly a pictorial directory of our team so region by region, folks that are operating gas stations, should an impostor come on the premises, they will be prepared to know whether their credentials are accurate or not."

Black said check to make sure the gas pump dispenser cabinet is closed and has not been tampered with before using it. He also says to use a gas pump closer to the front of the store because thieves often place skimmers at gas pumps father away so they are not noticed as quickly. Black also tells customers to use a credit card instead of a debit card because credit cards have better fraud protection and the money is not deducted immediately from an account.

In Florida, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam established a partnership between gas station operators and pump inspectors in light of more than 100 skimmers being found on pumps throughout the state recently.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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