Stopping for fuel feels routine, but it is also one of the easiest places for criminals to steal your financial information. Card skimmers—small devices installed by thieves on gas pumps—are designed to capture your credit or debit card details when you swipe or insert your card. Most drivers never realize it until mysterious charges show up on their account days later. The good news is that skimmers can often be spotted if you know what to look for. Taking a minute to check the pump before you pay can protect you from a major headache.
Check the Card Reader Itself
Always give the card reader a quick inspection. Skimmers are usually plastic overlays that fit over the existing slot, and they often look slightly bulkier or sit unevenly. Tug gently on the slot to see if it feels loose. Real card readers are solidly attached and sit flush with the pump face. If the slot feels flimsy, crooked, or comes off with little effort, walk away from that pump.
Look for Broken or Tampered Seals
Gas stations often place a security seal or sticker over the pump access panel. If that seal is ripped, missing, or looks like it has been replaced, it is a strong warning sign that someone has opened the pump to install a skimmer. A clean, intact seal is a good sign the pump has not been tampered with. Always take a moment to glance at it before sliding your card.
Watch the Keypad
Criminals sometimes place a fake keypad on top of the real one to record PIN numbers. These overlays can be hard to notice, but they usually feel different. If the keypad feels thicker than normal, wobbly, or spongy when you press the buttons, it may not be legitimate. Compare it with another pump at the same station if you are unsure. A genuine keypad should feel firm and consistent.
Be Cautious With Odd Looking Screens
Pumps at the same station should have consistent looking displays. If one pump has a screen that looks outdated, damaged, or mismatched compared to the others, it may have been tampered with. Skimmers sometimes require modifications to the pump’s electronics, so a strange looking screen is worth treating as a red flag.
Notice the Location of the Pump
Thieves prefer pumps far from the cashier’s view because they can tamper with them without drawing attention. End pumps or those at the farthest corners of a lot are prime targets. Whenever possible, use pumps closest to the station building where attendants and security cameras can see them clearly.
Trust Your Instincts
If something about a pump feels off, do not ignore it. Compare it to another pump nearby. If the card reader looks different, the keypad feels odd, or the security seal seems disturbed, it is better to move to another pump or go inside and pay at the counter. It is far safer to inconvenience yourself for a minute than to risk card theft.
Use Safer Payment Methods
Skimmers can only steal information when you swipe or insert your card. Contactless payment methods such as tap to pay cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay are far safer because they transmit encrypted information instead of your actual card number. If your card has a chip, insert it rather than swiping, as chip technology makes it harder for skimmers to steal data. Paying with cash inside the station is, of course, the safest option of all.
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Even the most careful drivers can fall victim to a skimmer. That is why checking your bank or credit card statements regularly is critical. Many banks allow you to set up instant alerts for purchases, which can tip you off to fraudulent charges quickly. If you spot any suspicious activity, report it immediately to limit your losses.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
