Before You Pay at the Pump Be Careful
by Frank Jovine on 02/23/2010 in Scams & Hoaxes, Security
Electronic credit - debit card skimming device
You need gas and you’re in a rush, well slow down because you could be a victim of credit card theft and possibly identity theft. The next pay at the pump could have a fake built-in card payment system. You should also check your surroundings and be extra careful when entering your pin number.
According to US media reports, criminals have launched large-scale attacks on petrol pumps with built-in card payment systems to gain access to card data. There have been similar attacks that involve the attachment of special skimming devices that look like the real equipment to copy card data, but these have only targeted cash points. Attackers often obtain the PIN with a hidden camera or a secondary PIN pad placed over the machine’s original keyboard.
In the current cases, skimming devices attached to petrol pump terminals are said to use Bluetooth to transmit the data to criminals operating near by. The attackers then use the skimmed details to forge cards and withdraw money from cash points. Approximately 180 petrol pumps with pay-at-the-pump functionality from Salt Lake to Provo are said to have been manipulated by the currently unknown perpetrators. Local police at one location say the modification to the pump was unnoticeable. The fraud was only detected when several attack victims could be traced back to having used the same petrol pump at a 7-Eleven station.
Andrew@BloggingGuide
Feb 24th, 2010
Thanks for this info. These kind of people never stop thinking of ways on how to steal private information. I wish they could be caught but then again, it’s easier said than done.
Frank Jovine
Feb 24th, 2010
Andrew,
It’s so true when you say “these kind of people never stop thinking.”
on hold messages
Feb 24th, 2010
This scam is not limited to just the areas you mentioned the same thing has happened in CT and NY. What I would like to find if anyone has it is an acutal photo of a pump with the devices still there so people can get an idea of what to look for.
Frank Jovine
Feb 24th, 2010
Your best bet is to search for fake gas pump card readers.
antalya homes
Feb 26th, 2010
I agree with scam is not limited there is some thing new or shoul be require to stop them.
SEO Help
Feb 27th, 2010
Yes I’ve actually got caught by this type of scam except it was a fake atm machine by a bar. This was about 7 years ago, was a real pain, I’m very careful now.
Chuck Noriss
Mar 1st, 2010
I finally decided to write a comment on your blog. I just wanted to say good job. I really enjoy reading your posts. THUMB UP
Frank Jovine
Mar 1st, 2010
Chuck,
Thank you and please let us know if you would like us to write about something you’re interested in reading.
Ed H.
Mar 2nd, 2010
I don’t think I enter a Pin number on the card I use. But yea, I’m always looking around for suspicious looking people!
Always Online
Mar 4th, 2010
In my place, we dont have to enter pin number etc but chances of double swapping is always there. Most of us just give the card with csv no displayed and dont care about and we dont know what all thing he is noting from tht..
Timber Decking
Mar 5th, 2010
I really enjoyed reading your post because it is hugely informative. You keep us aware that nowadays people have their strategies on scamming on people. I hope that you would post more informative article.
Frank Jovine
Mar 5th, 2010
I appreciate the kind words and it really encourages me to write and share.