The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation have released a new public service advisory with helpful tips for avoiding potential credit card skimmers at gas pumps.
The video on TDLR’s YouTube channel – https://youtu.be/M1bhDP722LU – explains how thieves sometimes attach credit card skimming devices to gas pumps to steal customers’ payment card information while they fill up.
Most skimmers are located deep inside the casing, so a mistake is not immediately apparent. However, there are a few things consumers can check before using a credit card at a gas station:
• Look at the pump and housing: Do they look damaged or tampered with?
• Wiggle the card slot: Is it loose?
• Look at the keypad: Is it loose or does it look like something has been placed on it?
Other ways consumers can protect themselves:
• Always use a credit card, not a debit card, when paying other than cash. This protects the PIN and prevents access to a bank account.
• Set up card usage or transaction alerts for bank and credit card accounts. Most major banks offer apps that allow accounts to be monitored in real time.
• Regularly check your credit card and bank statements for fraudulent charges or suspicious transactions.
• If possible, do not swipe your credit card, but pay for fuel using tap-to-pay or a trusted payment app on your mobile phone.
Whether a credit card skimmer is found by a consumer, a service technician or a merchant, the merchant is responsible for immediately notifying law enforcement and disabling any machines containing skimmers until law enforcement or TDLR investigators can remove the device.
Merchants are also legally required to notify TDLR within 24 hours.
The FCIC, which coordinates police investigations into organized financial fraud, was the first nationwide unit of its kind in the United States and operates as a partnership between TDLR and the Smith County District Attorney’s Office. TDLR regulates fuel metering and quality and collects consumer complaints and merchant reports related to credit card skimmers.
The Smith County District Attorney’s Office aggressively investigates and prosecutes criminals involved in organized financial crimes, such as gas pump skimmers.
TDLR provides regulatory oversight for a wide range of occupations, businesses, facilities and equipment in Texas. The agency protects the health and safety of Texans by ensuring they are cared for by qualified, licensed professionals.
Regular inspections of individuals, businesses and equipment are conducted to protect the public. Currently, the agency regulates 38 business and professional licensing programs with nearly 1,000,000 licensees across the state.
For more information and resources, visit TDLR’s website at www.tdlr.texas.gov. TDLR’s customer service line is available anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-800-803-9202.
