Gas Pump “Skimming Scam” 2 Were Arrested

MARTINEZ, Calif. — Martinez police have arrested two men in connection with a suspected “skimming” scam that bilked $20,000 a day from Northern California gas station customers who paid with debit and credit cards.
David Karapetyan and Zhirayr Zamanyan of Southern California were arrested last week on suspicion of installing illegal data-capturing devices inside card readers at gasoline pumps.
Investigators say they found 11 skimming devices, each loaded with information for as many as 400 to 500 credit and debit card accounts, inside the car the suspects were stopped in.
Police have recommended prosecutors file 32 counts of identity fraud, conspiracy and enhanced charges related to gang activity against the suspects.