Don’t Let Scammers Fuel Up at Your Expense: The Hidden Dangers Lurking at Gas Pumps
Every time you pull into a gas station, you’re entering a potential minefield of sophisticated scams designed to steal your money and personal information. The most recent data available from data analytics and credit scoring company FICO found card compromises from skimming nearly doubled in 2023 from the year prior, and according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), skimming costs financial institutions and consumers more than $1 billion each year. As fuel prices continue to fluctuate and consumers increasingly rely on card payments at the pump, understanding these threats has never been more crucial.
The Most Common Gas Station Scams to Watch For
Credit Card Skimming: The Silent Thief
Gas-station fraud commonly occurs with small devices thieves place on, in or above the card readers at gas pumps (and ATMs) to copy and steal your credit card information. Credit card skimming devices are installed where you swipe your card, allowing thieves to take data off the card when you pay. “Skimmers are designed to be discreet so that the victim doesn’t notice them,” and “The skimmer stores scanned credit card info until the person who put it there retrieves it.”
Skimmers are usually found on gas pumps or other point-of-sale devices in areas that aren’t being monitored every minute of the day, as this allows the bad guys time to install a skimmer on a pump without being observed. What makes this particularly insidious is that customers see their sales go through, they don’t have any reason to suspect anything has gone awry with their purchase.
Pump Tampering and False Readings
These include pumps that have been “doctored” to deliver short-measure and phony readings — sometimes even adding up the cents when the nozzle hasn’t even been inserted in the tank. In other cases, where gas stations offer a discount for cash, pump attendants may hit the “credit” button so cash-paying victims unknowingly end up paying the credit card rate.
Advanced Skimming Techniques
Criminals have evolved their methods to counter security improvements. Scammers are drilling holes in contactless payment screens and damaging the sensor. The holes force customers to swipe their card for payment. Thieves have then placed skimming devices on these damaged machines and stealing card information.
Pump Switching Scam
When the victim pulled the trigger, no fuel flowed from his hose because it’s attached to the other side of the pump where no fuel selection has been made. The machine is waiting for the selection. In the meantime, the hose that really belongs to his pump is on the other side, delivering his gas into the scammer’s tank.
How to Protect Yourself: Essential Prevention Strategies
Physical Inspection Before Payment
Look at the machines around you and compare the card-reading slots and keypads. If they don’t look the same, some might be equipped with credit card skimmers. Before using your card, first gently wiggle or tug on the slot reader to verify it is securely fastened and not loose. Loose or detached readers likely have skimmers attached.
Inspect the lockable door on the pump (where the attendant loads paper for receipts) to make sure it’s firmly closed. There shouldn’t be any uneven gaps in the casing—that indicates tampering. Some gas stations place tamper-resistant seals over the door, which is something to look for, though not all stations take this extra step.
Choose Your Payment Method Wisely
Tap the card instead of swiping or inserting it when paying at the pump (if the card and terminal allow for it). Tap-to-pay transactions are more secure and less likely to be compromised. If you have to swipe a card, using a credit card is often better than a debit card. Although both types of cards commonly offer zero liability protection for unauthorized transactions, your debit card is connected directly to your bank. If thieves get ahold of that card’s info, they might be able to withdraw money from an ATM and quickly drain your account.
Strategic Pump Selection
If you pay at the pump, whenever possible choose the pump closest to the building. They’re the least likely to have been tampered with because they’re so close to the attendants, who could catch them in the act. Choose a fuel pump that is closer to the store and in direct view of the attendant. These pumps are less likely to be targets for skimmers.
Protect Your PIN and Personal Information
Be aware of hidden cameras that thieves may have installed to capture your PIN when you enter it. If you have to enter a PIN, cover the keypad as you use it. In conjunction with card skimmers, thieves also will sometimes hide tiny pinhole cameras above the keypad to record customers entering PIN numbers. Criminals can then take stolen debit card data and drain bank account funds via ATM withdrawals. To combat pinhole cameras, use your other hand to cup and conceal the keypad as you type in your PIN.
What to Do If You’ve Been Victimized
You won’t know that your card has been skimmed until you see unusual transactions, which is why it’s important to regularly monitor your account and review card statements. You can also set up card alerts to get emails, texts or app notifications for new transactions. If you notice an unauthorized transaction, you can dispute it and report the compromise to your bank, credit union or card issuer.
The OK Petroleum Commitment to Customer Safety
When searching for a reliable gas station near me, it’s important to choose businesses that prioritize customer safety and security. OK Petroleum, a family-owned business that has been providing exceptional heating oil services for over 40 years, serves Suffolk & Nassau Counties on Long Island. At OK Petroleum, we actually mean what we say. We promise to provide you with reliable service, the highest quality products, and the most affordable prices—and we always deliver on our promise.
Keeping the homes and businesses of Long Island safe and comfortable is our primary concern, and we are proud to say that we have been able to do just that since we started our business more than 40 years ago. Each and every one of our employees is fully trained and knows exactly how to deliver our products to our customers safely and quickly. No matter which station you choose to visit, you can be sure that you will receive exceptional service. Each and every one of our stations is staffed with friendly and knowledgeable associates who will be more than happy to assist you in any way possible.
Additional Safety Tips for Gas Station Visits
Secure Your Vehicle and Belongings
While your attention is focused on the pump, or maybe you’re even inside paying for your gas, what’s happening to those valuables, like your purse, that you left on the passenger seat? It only takes a few seconds for a thief to open a door or reach through a window and whisk them away. Don’t leave stuff on show inside your car. Close windows if the car is unoccupied and lock it if you have to go inside to pay.
Alternative Payment Options
Paying with cash is a sure way to make sure your card information isn’t compromised. But even if you don’t want to use cash—perhaps because you’ve got a great gas rewards credit card—paying inside where employees can keep an eye on the card readers could be a good idea. If you visit the same gas stations frequently, buy gas-station gift cards. They don’t have any of your personal information connected to them, and since they have a limited value, your potential losses—should a scammer somehow get the numbers—would be relatively minimal.
Gas station scams are an unfortunate reality in today’s world, but with vigilance and the right precautions, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. “The best defense, as they say, is a good offense,” and “while there is no such thing as 100% security, there are a number of best practices to reduce risk.” By staying alert, choosing reputable stations, and following these safety guidelines, you can fuel up with confidence while keeping your financial information secure.