How to Avoid Credit Card Scam at Gas Pumps
Credit card skimming at gas stations across Florida is becoming more prevalent. To avoid having your information stolen by thieves, pay with cash, says the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
In just the past two months, the agency’s inspectors have removed eight credit card skimmers from gas station pumps across the state.
These skimmers are used to steal the credit card information from consumers, and the thieves then use the card information to make purchases in someone else’s name. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services works to protect consumers from fraud and scams, and this week, March 1-7, is National Consumer Protection Week.
Here are the department’s other tips about how to avoid skimmers.
– Check to make sure the gas pump dispenser cabinet is closed and has not been tampered with. Many stations are now putting a piece of security tape over the cabinet to ensure it has not been opened by unauthorized individuals.
– Try to use a gas pump closer to the front of the store. Thieves often place skimmers at the gas pumps farther away from the store so they aren’t noticed as quickly.
– Use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards have better fraud protection, and the money is not deducted immediately from an account.
– If using a debit card at the pump, choose to run it as a credit card instead of a PIN number in. That way, the PIN number is safe.
– Monitor bank accounts regularly to spot any unauthorized charges.
– Consumers who suspect their credit card number has been compromised should report it immediately to authorities and their credit card company.
Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).
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