State Consumer Protection Officials Seeing Fewer Credit Card Skimming Devices as Gas Pumps

Tuesday, October 19th, 2021 -- 12:00 PM

(Raymond Neupert, WRN) State consumer protection officials say they've been seeing fewer and fewer credit card skimming devices while inspecting gas station pumps.

State Weights and Measures director Joe Smith says increased awareness and better security tools have helped thwart criminals. "There are pressure-sensitive security seals on the pumps and those are often located by the credit card readers themselves and those can help determine whether or not the pump has been tampered with."

Smith says more people know what to look for when they're paying at the pump. "They can sometimes put a reader over top of the actual device that you insert your credit card on and sometimes those aren't attached very well."

Smith says increased scrutiny from gas station employees, along with newer tamper-resistant gas pumps has made it harder for criminals to use those devices. But if you think you have been scammed, contact the local police.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.