Skimming at the gas pumps increases
I wanted to warn all of my readers and listeners that according to the United States Secret Service, they have seen a dramatic increase in the amount of credit card skimmers that have been found at gas station pumps.
What is credit card skimming?
Credit card skimming is the act of electronically stealing the encoded information on our credit cards. The thieves then use the stolen information to commit fraud on your dime. These criminals place small devices called skimmers on the gas pump paying devices. These criminals also can place small cameras above the keypad to record the numbers we type in at the pumps.
According to a CompareCards poll, approximately 15% of all Americans have stated that they have fallen victim to skimming since Aug. 1 of the year.
Also according to the National Association for Convenience Stores, a single pump with a card skimmer attached to it can record credit card data from 30 to 100 cards.
According to an article in The Daily Caller there are ways to help prevent your credit card data from being stolen, they are as follows:
Users should conceal their hands when entering the personal identification number (PIN), as criminals can place small cameras above the keypad to record entries. It is also recommended for those who use debit cards to run them as credit cards to protect the PIN.
Secret Service recommended that travelers use pumps in well-lit areas and pay for gas with an attendant.
So be aware of your surroundings and do whatever you can to protect your data.
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