Must See Viral Video Exposes Common Gas Station Scam

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A recent viral video has exposed a common scam that many drivers may unknowingly fall victim to: card skimming at gas stations.

In San Gabriel Valley, California, a gas pump technician discovered a hidden skimming device while inspecting a pump that had been malfunctioning.

The device, which closely resembled the actual card reader, had been installed without the owner’s knowledge. This discovery has sparked greater awareness about card skimming—a crime that costs consumers and financial institutions over $1 billion each year, according to the FBI.

What Is Card Skimming?

Card skimming is a type of fraud in which criminals install hidden devices on ATMs, gas pumps, or point-of-sale terminals to capture customers’ credit or debit card information. Once the data is stolen, it’s often used to create counterfeit cards, making unauthorized purchases or committing identity theft. In 2023, more than 315,000 cards were compromised through skimming, a sharp 96% increase from the previous year.

How to Spot a Card Skimmer at the Gas Pump

Experts emphasize that being aware of a few simple signs can help you avoid becoming a victim:

  1. Crooked or oddly placed card reader: If the card reader looks misaligned or seems out of place, it could be a sign of tampering.
  2. Off-center or hard-to-press keypad buttons: If buttons on the keypad feel unusual, it might be a red flag.
  3. Wiggle test: Before inserting your card, gently wiggle parts of the machine. If something feels loose or odd, don’t use the pump.
  4. Examine the security seal: Ensure the security seal near the card reader is intact. A broken seal could indicate tampering.

How to Protect Yourself from Card Skimmers

To reduce the risk of falling victim to card skimming at gas stations, experts recommend the following:

  1. Choose pumps near the store: Gas pumps closer to the store and within the view of attendants are less likely to be targeted.
  2. Use credit over debit: Running your debit card as a credit card provides an extra layer of security. If that’s not possible, always cover the keypad while entering your PIN.
  3. Pay inside: If you’re concerned about skimming devices, pay inside the store instead of at the pump.
  4. Use contactless payments: Opt for tap-to-pay transactions whenever possible, as they are more secure and harder to compromise.

If you suspect you’ve been a victim of card skimming, immediately contact your bank to cancel your card and request a new one. It’s also essential to monitor your bank statements regularly for any unauthorized charges.

To report a skimming device or identity theft, visit IdentityTheft.gov or contact your bank’s fraud department.