Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Department

September 9, 2016 (El Cajon) - Keep your eyes open the next time you fill up at the gas pump. Someone has been installing scanning devices known as "skimmers" inside credit card readers at gas stations. They can steal your credit or debit card information, including pin numbers, and use it to make fraudulent purchases.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department has partnered with local and federal agencies to investigate these crimes, which include thefts at 7-11 stations in El Cajon. Several arrests have already been made. The investigation is ongoing.

Here are things you can do to protect yourself: