Protect the Pump - Tap the App

Credit card skimmers installed inside gas pumps and in credit card readers are used to steal payment card information from customers when they purchase fuel. Often, there are signs that show consumers and merchants there may be an issue.

• Does the pump appear to have been tampered with?
• Is the cabinet door loose or damaged?
• Is the card slot loose?
• If there’s security tape on the cabinet, does it look like it has been cut?
• Is there a screen shade over the display? Be sure to check for be a tiny camera hidden inside.

Best practices for protecting yourself at the pump:

• Go to a station that appears to be well-lit and has appears to have security cameras.
• Pay for your gas inside the station using cash.
• If you opt to pay with a card inside the store or outside at the pump, pay with a store’s mobile app or use a credit card or choose the option for credit, NEVER use a debit card. If you have to use your debit card, be sure to choose “credit” never provide your PIN. Crooks could drain your bank account before you even know what’s happening.
• Choose a pump close to the building, one that’s in the clerk’s line of sight.
• If you have to use a code like a PIN-number, be sure to cover the keypad with your other hand to hide your code from prying eyes.
• Monitor your credit card statement for unauthorized purchases and report them immediately to your credit card company.