Skimmers Hit Gas Stations, Steal Information
Skimmers, identity thieves who steal credit card information by running a credit or debit card through a hand-held electronic device, have a new target: “pay at the pump” gas stations. Customers at an El Monte, CA, Arco station had their debit card information stolen last April. Now the cards are being used in purchases from coast to coast.
How did this happen? Apparently the thieves planted a skimming device inside the gas pump. It’s thought that they concealed their activity by parking large vehicles in front of the pump, obscuring the gas station attendants’ view. The thieves were able to steal credit and debit card numbers, as well as PINs, from about sixty customers. They have used the stolen card numbers to finance $15,000 of fraudulent charges.
Skimming is a hot crime right now, so experts advise consumers to pay cash whenever possible. If you must pay with plastic, use only trusted merchants. Pay inside at gas stations. And regardless of how you pay, keep a close eye on your credit card and bank statements. Alert your bank or card company if you notice any unauthorized charges. A little diligence can save a lot of financial hardship down the road.
barbara camie said,
January 10, 2008 @ 4:24 pm
In these days, Credit card scams has became very common. You cannot consider an offer as legitimate because most of the times they charge a despicable annual fee, very high rate of interest and other odd terms.
Various companies may offer you a pre-approved credit card of Visa or MasterCard by disguising their original identity. These offers are actually appropriate for catalogue clubs or store clubs. Usually they offer you a pre-approved credit card with a limit of up to $5,000 and you don’t need to make a security deposit. Technically they make you believe through their mail that you can restore your credits and experience again the convenience of your personal credit card. But this may considered beyond reality. You will not hesitate for jumping on any credit card offer that arrives in your mail if you are frantic for your own credit card. This is why, you should necessarily read thoroughly over the mail to point out the fine prints and make a wise decision.