As summer travel continues, people should be aware of card skimmers. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) gives information about how to stay financially safe on the road.
Card skimmers are devices installed in or on gas pumps and other machines that can record card numbers, expiration dates, PINs and other sensitive information.
Sometimes, there are signs that a pump has a skimmer installed. If the pump looks different from others, security tape is cut, the card slot, keypad or cabinet door are loose or anything seems wrong, there may be an issue and the safest thing to do is use another pump.
Other times, skimmers can be almost undetectable. Even when there are not visible warnings, there are still things one can do to avoid theft: -Use a credit card, not a debit card and always push the credit option -Avoid having to type a PIN if possible and hide it if it is needed -Choose a station that is well lit and has security cameras -Use pumps visible from the building -Monitor credit card statements for suspicious activity -Use a trusted payment app or pay inside with cash -Set up mobile banking alerts How to spot a skimmer: -When paying for gas at the pump, gently pull on the card reader bezel and keypad. If the reader feels loose, wiggles or is bulky compared to other pumps, it may be an overlay.
-Look for the tamperevident sticker over the pump cabinet door. If the sticker is broken, missing or says 'VOID,' the machine may have been opened to install an internal skimmer.
-Take a look at the neighboring pumps. If your card reader looks different or has mismatched colors or arrows, don't use it.
-If using a debit card and entering a PIN, always cover the keypad with the other hand to block hidden cameras Suspected skimmers can be reported on the TDLR website at tdlr.texas.gov.