How to avoid credit or debit card skimmers

Published on February 28, 2022

Credit card fraud continues to be detected throughout the Nation at fuel pumps, ATMs and point-of-sale terminals. Consumers can help safeguard their information from credit/debit card thieves who place skimming devices inside gasoline pumps at service stations and bank ATM’s throughout our County and State.

What are credit/debit card skimmers? They are hidden illegal devices embedded inside gas pumps or an ATM and are commonly spliced onto the credit card reader, allowing credit/debit card numbers and PIN numbers to be recorded during routine refueling and retrieved later or sent to an off-site receiver. Usually there are no outwardly visible signs on the pumps or ATMs giving away the presence of the devices. Consumers can take several precautions to avoid credit/debit card fraud for example paying cash for fuel purchases, watch for security stickers that appear broken or tampered with, or if available, use mobile payment options (Google Pay, Apple Pay, etc.)

Carefully review credit/debit card company statements for suspicious charges. If your credit/debit card has been compromised, report it to your bank or card issuer.

Please know that local law enforcement investigators to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) continue to work to mitigate the threat of skimming fraud and crack down on the criminals and organized crime groups committing these thefts.