Burnsville, Minnesota– December 19, 2017 –Even if you’re
choosy about which gas stations you frequent, you can still become a victim of
financial thieves that place seamless devices on machines to steal – or ‘skim’
- sensitive financial information. Skimming is a growing problem, and Better
Business Bureau® of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB), the Minnesota Department
of Commerce and several other local and federal law enforcement agencies say
consumers need to remain vigilant to steer clear of this scam which can also
lead to identity theft.
In recent years, thieves have increasingly targeted gas
pumps to steal credit card data. Skimming devices are placed inside the
pump and are undetectable from the outside. Credit card information can now
even be obtained from the skimming device via Bluetooth technology so thieves
don’t have to go back to the pump to retrieve stolen card numbers. Many
gas stations are taking measures to secure their pumps via tamper-resistant
security tape and visual inspections, but to avoid having your financial
information stolen, pay inside rather than at the pump. Minnesota’s Department
of Commerce is also taking steps to tackle this problem.
“To protect consumers, Minnesota Department of Commerce’s
Weights & Measures inspectors are on the lookout for skimmers during their
regular inspections of gas pumps for accuracy, safety and fuel quality,” said
Commerce Commissioner Jessica Looman. “Consumers can protect their money by
being aware of signs of tampering and reporting suspicious activity to the
station and the Commerce Department.”
To avoid becoming a victim of credit card skimmers:
Give it a wiggle – Skimming devices are often false
panels attached to the credit card reader – where you swipe your card. Inspect
debit and credit terminals closely. If anything looks damaged or unusual, give
it a wiggle. Also watch out for new or suspiciously placed cameras and unusual
signage. Don’t hesitate to walk away and if something doesn’t feel right.
Pay inside or pay with cash – Paying inside at gas
stations reduces your risk of credit card fraud greatly, and paying with cash
is an even safer approach.
See something, say something -- If you notice any
suspicious activity (especially someone who is not a station employee or an
inspector who is opening up a pump), alert the station attendant.
Keep an eye on your statements – The most vigilant person
can still fall victim to skimming, and it’s important to always keep a close
eye on your accounts – particularly the itemized breakdown of monthly charges –
so that you can report any suspicious activity on your account.
Report fraud immediately – Report any fraudulent activity
to your bank or credit card provider as soon as you discover it. Paying with a
credit card instead of a debit card, because they offer great protections.
Consumers who think that they’ve been victims of skimming should visit
IdentityTheft.gov to
report identity theft and develop a recovery plan
“Just as it’s important to know what to watch out for as
far as these skimming devices, it’s equally important to know what to do if
you’ve fallen victim,” said Susan Adams Loyd, President and CEO of BBB of
Minnesota and North Dakota.
The FBI investigates a wide variety of credit card fraud
schemes to include Internet-facilitated criminal activity. If you believe
you’ve been a victim of an online fraud scheme, the FBI Internet Crime
Complaint Center is a reliable and convenient reporting mechanism to submit
information using the following website:
www.ic3.gov/. Consumers can also file complaints with the FTC
(877-FTC-HELP;
ftc.gov)
If you notice any suspicious activity (especially someone who is not a station
employee or an inspector opening up a pump), alert the station attendant or
call the MN Department of Commerce’s Weight & Measures Division at
651-539-1555.
