Learn how to protect yourself from card skimmers.

Card skimmers are small electronic devices illegally installed inside gas pumps that collect information from the magnetic strip on your credit or debit card when it is used during a transaction. Initially these devices were attached to card readers on the outside of the gas pump, but now scammers are installing them inside the pump and often employing Bluetooth technology or integrated cellphone components to transmit card and PIN information. Skimmers can be undetectable to consumers because of their location inside gas pumps and have the potential for $1 million in fraudulent charges per skimmer. 

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) regularly inspects gas pumps for safety and accuracy, and analyzes samples of petroleum products to ensure consumers are being offered quality products at a fair measure. Each year, FDACS examines gas pumps at about 9,000 gas stations, truck stops and marinas, and has removed thousands of skimmers since 2015, when they first appeared in Florida.

Protect Yourself from Card Skimmers

What steps can a careful consumer take to protect against these devices? While it may not be possible to completely avoid skimmers, here are a few tips that will greatly reduce your risk of fraud at the pump:

• Take a close look at the pump: Avoid using pumps that are open or unlocked, have had the tamper-evident security tape cut or removed, or otherwise appear unusual. If anything seems cracked, loose or tampered with, use a different pump. Some newer pumps may also have encrypted credit card readers — look for an illuminated green lock symbol near the credit card reader.
• Pay with a credit card: If a credit card number is skimmed, you’re protected by the card issuer’s zero-liability policy — but a stolen debit card number could be far more damaging. If you must use a debit card, choose to use it as credit, instead of selecting debit and entering your PIN. Use a credit card chip reader if available.
• Pay inside instead of at the pump: It takes just seconds for criminals to place a skimmer in a gas pump — but it’s far less likely that a skimmer has been placed on the payment terminal in front of the clerk inside the gas station or convenience store. Take the few extra minutes to pay inside with cash or a credit card to protect yourself from fraud.
• Pay with your phone: Pay using a mobile wallet app like Apple Pay or Android Pay if available. Both mobile payment services use Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, allowing a secure connection between your wireless mobile device and the payment terminal by utilizing advanced security to protect your financial information. NFC generates a unique identifier instead of using your credit card number and ensures payment details are concealed and unusable by unauthorized persons.
• Choose gas pumps closest to the physical building: Don’t use gas pumps out of the attendant’s line of sight, such as those around a corner or behind a building. Thieves placing skimmers are less likely to put them in pumps where the store attendant may catch them in the act.
• Check your card statements and sign up for fraud alerts: Nearly every credit card issuer offers fraud alerts, and many will email or text you when your card is used at a gas station. Check your credit card and debit card transactions regularly to make sure no fraudulent activity has occurred. 

Consumers who suspect their credit card number has been compromised should report it immediately to law enforcement and their credit card company.

File a Complaint

Consumers who suspect that a gas pump has been tampered with should contact the gas station manager and file a complaint with FDACS. You can file a complaint online or by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832).