DPS, MPD: TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT PERSONAL, FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(Dec. 10, 2025) 

MIDLAND, TEXAS -- As shoppers in West Texas prepare for the busy Holiday Season, the Midland Police Department (MPD) and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) remind everyone to take extra precautions to protect their personal and financial information from criminals. 

Currently, multiple law enforcement agencies are tracking several criminal groups operating in West Texas. The groups have placed credit card skimmers inside retail locations in the Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa and Abilene areas. The targeted retailers include convenience stores and dollar stores; however, shoppers are advised to remain vigilant at all retail establishments.

Here are some Safety Tips MPD and DPS encourage everyone to follow when making purchases: 

• Look at the pump and cabinet – does it look damaged, or look like it's been tampered with?

 • Wiggle the card slot – is it loose?

 • Look at the keypad – is it loose or does it look like something has been placed on top of it?

 Additional ways consumers can protect themselves:

• Always use a credit card, not a debit card, if they're not going to pay cash – this protects the PIN and prevents access to a bank account

• Set card usage or transaction alerts for bank and credit card accounts. Most major banks offer mobile apps that enable real-time account monitoring.

• Regularly monitor credit card and bank statements for fraudulent charges or suspicious transactions.

• When possible, don't swipe the credit card – use tap to pay or use a trusted payment app on a mobile phone to pay at retailers and fuel pumps

Whether a credit card skimmer is discovered by a consumer, a service technician, or a merchant, the merchant is responsible for immediately notifying law enforcement and turning off all dispensers where skimmers have been found.

The following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1bhDP722LU, provides more information on protecting yourself at the gas pump.

In addition to the credit card skimmer scams, law enforcement continues to receive reports of Warrant Scams and Bank Account in Trouble scams.

• Warrant Scam - the victim receives a phone call or text from someone claiming to be law enforcement, they may even send a photograph or file of a warrant showing their name and date of birth. The caller will then provide instructions on how to settle the warrant or outstanding ticket. These instructions include having the victim remove money from their bank accounts, purchase gift cards or prepaid cards, or make cryptocurrency deposits.

• Law Enforcement agencies will never contact you by text or phone requesting payment of a warrant. Government agencies do not accept prepaid cards or cryptocurrency. The victim should end the phone call immediately and block the caller's number.

• Bank Account Scam - the victim receives a call or text stating their bank account has been compromised and that they need to withdraw funds from the compromised account and move said funds to cryptocurrency, transfer the funds to another bank account, prepaid card, or just get cash to send via mail.

• The victim should ask for an employee's name, end the call immediately, and call the phone number on the back of their bank card or on the bank's website to verify the information.
• Never call back the phone number the caller provided, even if your caller ID shows your bank name.

MPD and DPS are committed to protecting West Texans. By staying vigilant and practicing good shopping habits, you can enjoy a safe and stress-free holiday shopping season without falling victim to scams.