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Gas stations are convenient stops for refueling, but they can also be hotspots for various payment scams. As scammers become increasingly sophisticated, it’s important to stay vigilant and protect yourself from potential fraud to save you money. Here are ten gas station payment scams that may be happening in your city.
Card Skimming
How It Works: Scammers install small devices called skimmers on card readers at gas pumps. These devices capture your card information when you swipe it.
How to Protect Yourself: Before inserting your card, inspect the card reader for any signs of tampering. If the reader looks bulky or has loose parts, report it to the gas station staff and use a different pump.
Bluetooth Skimming
How It Works: Similar to card skimming, Bluetooth skimming involves devices that capture card information but transmit it wirelessly to a nearby device controlled by the scammer.
How to Protect Yourself: Regularly check for unusual Bluetooth devices on your smartphone. If you see a device that doesn’t belong, avoid using that pump and notify the gas station staff.
Fake Payment Terminals
How It Works: Scammers replace legitimate payment terminals with fake ones that look identical but steal your card information.
How to Protect Yourself: Use pumps located in well-lit, busy areas of the gas station. Scammers are less likely to tamper with pumps that are frequently monitored by staff and customers.
Cash Traps
How It Works: Scammers place devices inside ATMs at gas stations that trap cash after a transaction is made. When the customer leaves thinking the machine malfunctioned, the scammer retrieves the cash.
How to Protect Yourself: If an ATM at a gas station doesn’t dispense cash but still debits your account, report it immediately to your bank and the gas station staff. Avoid using ATMs in poorly lit or isolated areas.
Overcharging
How It Works: Unscrupulous attendants may overcharge you by manually entering a higher amount on the payment terminal or manipulating the pump.
How to Protect Yourself: Always check the amount on the terminal before confirming the transaction. Keep an eye on the pump to ensure it stops at the correct amount.
Card Cloning
How It Works: After obtaining your card information through skimming or other methods, scammers create a clone of your card and use it to make unauthorized transactions.
How to Protect Yourself: Regularly monitor your bank statements and set up alerts for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorized transactions to your bank immediately.
Phishing Scams
How It Works: Scammers send fake emails or text messages pretending to be from your bank or a gas station loyalty program, asking for your card information.
How to Protect Yourself: Never provide your card information through email or text. Always contact your bank or the gas station directly using verified contact information.
Fake Receipts
How It Works: Scammers provide fake receipts that look legitimate but do not correspond to the actual transaction, often for higher amounts.
How to Protect Yourself: Compare your receipt with the pump and the payment terminal before leaving the gas station. Report any discrepancies to the staff immediately.
Contactless Payment Hacks
How It Works: Scammers use devices to intercept contactless payment signals, capturing your card information without physical contact.
How to Protect Yourself: Use RFID-blocking wallets or sleeves to protect your contactless cards. If you suspect a problem with a contactless payment, switch to using a chip or magnetic stripe.
Pump Switching
How It Works: This scam targets people using credit cards to pay at the pump. Scammers approach unsuspecting victims at the gas pump, offering to pump their gas or put the nozzle back to complete the transaction. Instead of closing the transaction, the scammer continues pumping gas into their vehicle or the next customer’s, effectively stealing from the initial payer.
In some instances, scammers offer to hang the nozzle but leave it active to pump gas for the next customer, requesting cash for the transaction. For example, if you pay for $50 worth of gas, the scammer might add another $50 to their vehicle or someone else’s, leaving you with a $100 credit card charge. Victims often don’t realize they’ve been scammed until they check their credit card statement later
How to Protect Yourself: Avoid strangers at the pump who want to have any control of any of the systems of the pump that you’re using. Do not let them.
Other Tips to Protect Yourself
- Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings when pumping gas. Avoid distractions like checking your phone.
- Inspect Card Readers: Check for any signs of tampering before inserting your card.
- Use Well-Lit Pumps: Choose pumps located in busy, well-lit areas of the station.
- Collect Your Receipt: Always take your receipt and ensure the transaction is complete.
- Monitor Bank Statements: Regularly check your bank statements for any suspicious activity.
- Avoid Assistance from Strangers: Politely decline offers of help from anyone who doesn’t work at the gas station.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Notify gas station staff or local authorities if you notice anything unusual.
Conclusion
Gas station payment scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it essential to stay vigilant and take proactive measures to protect your financial information. By being aware of these common scams and following the provided tips, you can reduce your risk and ensure a safer refueling experience. Always trust your instincts; if something seems off, it’s better to be cautious and report it.
Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.
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