Beware of Credit Card Skimmers

When you pay for gas at the pump, give the card scanner a careful look. A credit card skimmer that can capture information needed to access your account illegally may have been installed by a thief.

Here’s what to look for:

• Loose or misaligned parts on the keypad or card reader slot could mean trouble. Report the problem and avoid the pump.

• Compare the card reader with others at the station. They should all look alike.

• Some geographic areas require a security seal on the pump. If it is broken, or if pump panels don’t look secure, a skimmer could have been installed.

Be proactive:

• Use a credit card and a gas pump compatible with contactless credit card technology. Since this technology uses radio-frequency communication, there is no need to insert your card into a payment terminal, thus eliminating one threat posed by an illegal skimmer. In addition, the technology creates a one-time code for the transaction, further thwarting thieves.

• If not using a contactless credit card system, cover your hand when entering a PIN to authorize the transaction. Some thieves hide cameras when they install skimmers.

Finally, paying inside or using pumps close to the store and within sight of an attendant may be more secure. And check your account frequently for unauthorized transactions and report problems promptly.