COLORADO SPRING, Colo. - Skimming has become widespread in the United States, with thieves targeting consumers in Colorado, Florida and Arizona, among other states, KKTV reports.

Earlier this week, the Minnesota Legislature approved a measure that made possession of a skimming device a felony. Thirty-one states have card skimming laws, including California and Washington.

In Colorado, police are hunting for a man believed to be responsible for planting skimming devices from Colorado Springs to Denver since June. Colorado Springs police believe most card data is stolen from skimmers installed in gasoline pumps.

Victim Heather Sturgis thinks her debit card information was taken while filling up her car with gasoline. "I was very upset. I mean I work hard for my money and to know that someone could just take it away like it was no big deal ... was really upsetting," she said.

Thieves stole more than $600 from ATMS using her card and PIN numbers, apparently with a duplicate ATM card.

The PCATS Data Security Committee has released a dispenser security best practices guide co-authored by Gilbarco Veeder-Root and Dresser Wayne that provides concise advice and methods on preventing skimming at the fuel dispenser. This guide may be downloaded for free. For more information, contact Gray Taylor.