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High-Risk Gas Pump Skimming—Never Enter Your PIN!

Posted On 12/21/2017
We have seen an increase in card compromises due to skimmers being placed at gas pumps, with police being notified of repeat compromises. So what can you do to protect your card?
  • NEVER enter your PIN at a gas pump. The only time you should select debit for any purchase enter a PIN is if you need cash back from a merchant or ATM.
  • ALWAYS select Credit when using any type of card at a gas pump—it doesn't matter if it's a debit card; always select Credit for the transaction. The transaction will process like any other debit card transaction, but your PIN will not be required if you select credit.

What are the dangers of using my PIN at the pump?
If a skimming device is attached to a pump, it can record your card number and PIN. A fraudster can then clone your debit card.

Since gas pumps do not have to be chip compliant until October 2020, always follow these easy instructions to minimize your card being compromised, resulting in it being reissued.

Resources
Fraud Prevention
Top 5 Security Tips