Don’t get skimmed

“Skimming” is a type of fraud that involves the theft of personal information when a credit or debit card is used for a transaction. Criminals use the stolen data to make fraudulent charges either online or with a counterfeit credit/debit card.

To help protect fuel and credit/debit cards from being skimmed, security officials recommend instructing employees to always take the following steps when purchasing fuel. These actions can reveal indications of a skimming device.

1. Notice the physical condition of the card reader.

- Look for signs of tampering, broken seals, signs of prying and indications of alterations.

- Does anything look odd? For instance, are there different colors, materials or graphics, discoloration in certain areas or tape or adhesive residue?

- Does anything look loose, crooked, scratched or damaged?

2. Examine the card reader for any unusual additions or equipment on the keyboard, slot or sides.

3. Check the pumps next to the one they plan on using to determine if theirs looks different than the others.

4. Notice if the card reader doesn’t accept the card smoothly.

5. Scrutinize the card reader for a hidden camera that may be installed on it or nearby. Cameras are used to record a customer’s entry of their PIN into the reader keypad.

6. Be conscious of their surroundings when using a card reader and cover the keypad when entering a PIN number.

If there is any doubt, fueling should not be done at the location, say officials. As a courtesy, alert the fuel facility to the problems.