8 accused of “skimming” credit card numbers at gas stations; 2 stations in Coachella valley targeted

Four people have been arrested and accused of installing so-called credit card “skimmers” on gas pumps at gas stations across Southern California.

A criminal complaint filed Wednesday in Los Angeles federal court charges a total of eight defendants – including three fugitives and a man who is expected to turn himself in.

The U.S. attorney’s office says the eight participated in a scheme to secretly install the electronic devices known as skimmers on gas pumps in order to retrieve credit card account information.

The defendants are charged with conspiracy to possess unauthorized access devices, a charge carrying a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and had no estimate of the losses that may be associated with the stolen credit card information.

Skimming devices were allegedly installed on gas pumps at a Valero station in Rancho Mirage and at a 76 station in Bermuda Dunes