News - Security Issues

Criminals Hide Payment-Card Skimmers Inside Gas Station Pumps

Criminals hid bank card-skimming devices inside gas pumps -- in at least one case, even completely replacing the front panel of a pump -- in a recent wave of attacks that demonstrate a more sophisticated, insidious method of stealing money from unsuspecting victims filling up their gas tanks.

The skimming devices are the size of a cellular phone SIM card and are affixed to the card reader inside the pump, making them impossible for consumers to detect.

As always, the Secure Florida team asks you to be diligent in monitoring your bank and credit card statements for fraudulent activity. Gas consumers are advised to pay with cash whenever possible. If a credit or debit card must be used to buy gas, police recommend paying the gas station's cashier rather than using the credit card readers mounted on gas pumps.