A police investigation found three identical credit card skimming machines inside gasoline pumps at fueling stations in Placer, Sacramento and Folsom counties in California. Authorities are now searching for the criminals who may have utilized the machines to steal credit card numbers and make fraud.ulent purchases, according to ABC.

The pumps containing the devices were located away from the clerk's station closer to the street. Detective Jim Hudson told the news source that there are likely at least four more compromised pumps at other gas stations.

Several complaints regarding stolen credit card numbers have been filed with Folsom Police officers over the past few days, each stemming from the gas stations that were compromised. Police are encouraging anyone who suspects that their credit card information was stolen to contact local police stations.

In 2008, cases of identy theft climbed 22 percent, reaching a total of 9.9 million, according to Javelin Strategy and Research. Consumers who want to protect their personal data should try to avoid using credit cards, and be sure to use secure payment systems when shopping online.