Skim, Scan, Scammed

Preventing Skimming at Your Store

 

More than half of U.S. adults fear having their financial data stolen from them at fuel pumps when paying with a debit or credit card. YouGov and ACI WorldWide reported that 62% of adults believe the security of their finances can be compromised simply by paying at the pump, as opposed to paying at the in-store register. And their fears are not without justification. “Skimming devices at gas pumps are frequently used to steal customers’ financial data, hence the high level of concern with data security at gas pumps,” states Benny Tadele, vice president of Merchant Solutions at ACI WorldWide.

 

Consumers, for the most part, are unaware of the power they hold in their pocket: mobile payment. Mobile payments are faster, easier, and more secure, Tadele explained. Only about 10% of customers utilize mobile payments, and those that do are typically more satisfied with their transaction.

 

But for those consumers who still prefer to use their debit or credit card for payment, there are ways to help stop their financial data from being stolen from them. Identifying the types of skimmers is the first step in the process.

 

There are two different types of skimmers: external skimmers and internal skimmers. External skimmers are placed on top of the card reader and keypad. What is called a “shimmer” is a skimming device that places a sleeve inside the card reader and is nearly undetectable. Internal skimmers are placed inside the fuel dispenser and are far more difficult to detect. They are installed by opening the fuel dispense door and hardwiring the existing electrical components.

 

To help prevent either type of skimming from happening, here are a few tips to not only protect your customers, but protect your store’s reputation:

• Installing video cameras to record any illicit activity will both capture anything that happens to the fuel dispensers and deter potential offenders from installing skimming devices – especially if there are notices that state all activity is being recorded.

•  Employees should check fuel dispensers multiple times per shift for any signs of tampering.

• Enhance outdoor lighting to help deter potential criminals from installing skimming devices and to help employees monitor the fuel dispensers for any activity.

• they have successfully installed a skimmer at a fuel dispenser like yours, there is a chance they know how to get into the dispenser. Customizing locks on dispensers will prevent potential offenders from tampering with the lock.

• Invest in anti-breach kits offered by manufacturers specifically for fuel dispensers.