HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania Rep. Kirstin Hill has introduced a bill that would make it a felony to possess a skimming device, the Sharon Herald reports. The measure gives law enforcement more tools in their fight against the illegal devices often installed in gas pumps and ATMs.

For Hill, it’s personal too. “I had my credit card skimmed at a local convenience store and am well aware of the feelings of fear and helplessness when this happens to you,” she said.

Currently, it’s not illegal to have a skimmer, so police officers who stop vehicles and spot the devices can’t charge the driver. Charges only stem from when the devices are used to siphon financial data.

Hill’s proposal would make it a felony offense to have a skimmer even if no financial information has been stolen. She modeled her bill after Florida legislation that went after people with skimming devices in their possession or for sale as well. So far, 31 states have laws against skimming devices, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Pennsylvania officials have been calling for more public awareness of skimming, with Banking and Securities, Office of Attorney General, State Police and Department of Agriculture coming together on a public awareness campaign about skimming.

NACS and Conexxus both have resources available online related to skimming and payments security. For more information about Conexxus, go to www.conexxus.org.