A 27-year-old man in Oklahoma City is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he installed card skimming devices on gas pumps at several convenience stores across the metro area.
Mardel Gonzalez is accused of placing illegal devices on pumps at 7-Eleven locations dating back to 2022, according to court records. Investigators say the devices were used to secretly capture customers’ credit and debit card information.
How the Skimming Devices Worked
Skimming devices are designed to sit over or inside legitimate card readers, allowing criminals to copy sensitive financial data without the user noticing. Experts say the process is similar to duplicating a card at the moment it is used.
Authorities explained that these devices can be installed not only on gas pumps but also on ATMs and in-store payment terminals. Because they are often built to blend in, many victims do not realize their information has been stolen until fraudulent transactions appear later.
Investigation Led to Suspect Identification
According to investigators, fingerprints collected from several devices over time helped identify Gonzalez as the suspect. The evidence was gathered from multiple locations, suggesting a pattern of activity spanning several years.
Authorities have since issued a warrant for his arrest. He is currently facing eight felony charges related to the unlawful use of devices to access financial information.
Warning Signs for Consumers
Experts say there are a few simple ways to spot potential skimming devices. A card reader that looks bulkier than usual or feels loose when touched may have been tampered with. In some cases, a fake cover can be removed easily, revealing the original reader underneath.
Consumers are also advised to check for security seals on gas pumps. These stickers are typically placed near the card reader, and if the pump has been opened, the seal will show signs of tampering, such as a “void” label.
The good news is, most of Oklahoma’s gas stations have ways to protect you.
Love’s takes the security of customers very seriously. Our fuel pumps are protected with tamper-evident measures, undergo routine inspections, and have comprehensive video monitoring. Store team members regularly walk the lots, and Love’s also has dedicated teams focused on detecting and preventing fraud. If suspicious activity is identified, we work closely with law enforcement and encourage customers to report anything that appears unusual so we can address it immediately.Love’s Spokesperson
QuikTrip takes customer security seriously and has multiple layers of procedures in place to ensure the integrity of purchase transactions.Â
QuikTrip’s Pump Shield program is designed to protect customers by deactivating pumps immediately upon detecting tampering as well as notifying store employees through a silent alarm. Managers and other store employees also inspect pumps multiple times per day to look for skimming devices and QuikTrip locations are equipped with industry-leading security cameras which enable us to assist law enforcement in apprehending and prosecuting criminals.
In addition to these security measures, we have also recently launched QT Pay which allows customers to scan a QR code with their phone to pay at the pump without using a credit card.Aisha Jefferson, Quick Trip Spokesperson
The issue of skimmers and identity theft is an industry wide problem. At OnCue, we are committed to making our stores a safe place for our customers. We have numerous measures in place to help us achieve this goal.
OnCue Spokesperson
Security Measures by Retailers
Gas stations and convenience stores have taken steps to reduce the risk of skimming. Some companies use alarm systems, automatic shutdown features, and constant monitoring of pumps to detect unauthorized access. Specialized keys are also used to limit who can open pump panels.
While some retailers have publicly outlined their security measures, others have not responded to inquiries about how they protect customers from this type of fraud.
Ongoing Concerns and Public Safety
Cases like this highlight the ongoing risk of card skimming, which remains a common form of financial fraud. Because the devices can be difficult to detect, authorities encourage the public to stay alert and report anything unusual.
If suspicious activity is noticed at a gas station or payment terminal, customers are urged to notify store employees or contact local law enforcement immediately.
