Gas Station Skimmer: How It Works
How often do you fill your gas tank? Once a week, every second week? The more important question is, how often do you pay for it with your credit card?
Similar to what criminals do at ATMs, the Credit Card Skimmer Scam is done at some gas pumps as well. A small device is attached to the credit card insert at the pump, reading your card's information once you stick it in.
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The criminals secretly come back to the pump later and collect the data. Some of them even use Bluetooth technology to download all the information stored on the skimmer, without ever leaving their car! With the advancement of the technology, the scammers also print ATM keyboards in 3D, which they apply on top of the PIN pad of the machine.
Watch the video below to see in action the skimmer scam caught on camera:
Gas Station Skimmer: How To Avoid
Always pay attention to the slot you put your card in. If it looks suspicious and is a skimmer, it should be easy to remove – try it! Take a good look at the keyboard, too. Wiggle the reader to check if it's loose. There may be security tape with a serial number across the dispenser door, use it to check if the seal has been broken.
Then inform the police. Look at the video below to see a new gas skimmer case discovered last week:
Gas Station Skimmer: How To Report
Make your family and friends aware of gas station skimmers by sharing this article on social media using the buttons provided. You can also officially report the scammers to the local Police or to the Federal Trade Commission using the link below:
How to protect yourself more:
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Always pay attention to the slot you put your card in. If it looks suspicious and is a skimmer, it should be easy to remove – try it! Then inform the police.