Minnesota Department of Commerce Issues Warning for People that Pay at the Pump

The Minnesota Department of Commerce is telling consumers and gas station attendants to be alert for credit card card skimmers that steal information from people who pay at the pump.

The warning was issued after three Kentucky men were spotted and  arrested for attempting to install skimmers on pumps at a gas station in Bloomington.

The men were caught before any customer information was stolen. They were found with five skimming devices, a credit card reader, and approximately 20 credit cards in a nearby hotel room and admitted that they steal the card info and sell it to people in Kentucky.

The Department of Commerce posted these tips on their website to help you protect yourself:

Spot skimmers at the pump 

• Look before you swipe.  Inspect the card reader and pump for any signs of forced entry, including broken security seals, tool marks, loose materials, scratches where someone may have tampered with the pump or anything else that is suspicious.
• Any pump could contain a skimmer. Pumps at the outer edges of the perimeter are the easiest places to install skimmers without being seen by the attendant. But pumps close to the station get the heaviest traffic and criminals may take a risk to get a bigger payoff. 
• See something, say something. If you notice any irregularities (especially someone who is not a station employee or an inspector who is opening up a pump), alert the station attendant or call the Minnesota Department of Commerce Weight & Measures Division at 651-539-1555 or Consumer Services Center at 651-539-1600 or 800-657-3602 (Greater Minnesota-only).

Protect your plastic

• Pay with cash or a card inside. Or select credit instead of debit on the pump. If you do use a debit card, never type in your PIN at the pump. Using your credit card will limit your liability to $50, while stolen debit card information can give the thief direct access to the actual money in your bank account.
• Check your bank accounts and credit card statements regularly and immediately report irregularities to your financial institution or credit/debit card company. There is a limited time period for you report fraud without any liability on your part.