Newton Police are investigating another suspected card skimming operation after receiving several reports of more fraudulent credit card transactions. from residents after getting fuel at World To Go, located at 405 1st Ave. E. in Newton. Over the past three weeks, Newton officers have taken numerous reports of skimming activities at both the Git-N-Go gas station on 1st Avenue West and the World To Go station on 1st Avenue East. The first reports received were last week from Git-N-Go customers, Newton Police say the suspected skimming incidents date back to early July of 2024. The Iowa Department of Agriculture inspected all of the fuel pumps in Newton late this week and found no skimming devices. However the inspectors did find evidence of tampering at a few pumps around town. Police say the skimming devices can easily be installed and removed by the scammers. Newton Police Captain Chris Wing says tapping a chipped credit card on a card reader is much safer than inserting or swiping your credit card.
“Whenever you have to swipe your card, that’s when they are getting that information. If you use a mobile wallet or the tap, those use a one time electronic token that the bank authorizes. So they don’t get the information for your bank account that they can use later.
The skimming operation and fraudulent credit card transactions are under investigation. Customers who have purchased fuel at the 1st Avenue West Git-N-Go and World To Go Stations are encouraged to monitor their financial transactions and contact their bank and law enforcement immediately if suspicious activity is found.