Tech Tip Tuesday: Credit Card Hacked at the Pump?

This week I saw post saying don't get gas at any of the stations on this particular highway because their credit card had got hacked.  True, this could happen at any gas station but I wouldn't knock out all the ones on the same highway as this vulnerability can be done at any gas station or even at any place that takes debit and/or credit cards. 

The bad news is that the same technology is used when you swipe your credit card or make an order online is used.  Granted a gas station is an easier target since they are outside and can be easily tampered with or hacked from a distance.  This has made way for hackers.   

So how do you stay safe?  What should you do?

• Protect Your Credit/Debit Card

• Most Banks have protection that you can have put on your card that will detect suspicious activity
• Set up Alerts to where you are texted/and or email when your card is used
• Turn off your card if you suspect you have been hacked.

• Just use Cash

• This is the route most people take after one hack; personally I don't carry too much cash, but if you want a 100% guarantee use cash.

• Pay the Attendant with your card

• If you don't have cash, a safe way is to pay the attendant.  

Now if you still want to use your card at the pump there are a few things to look for at the pump:

• Look out for gas station credit card skimmers

• This is basically a device that is attached to the real credit card scanner that collects credit card information.  Look and see if the scanner looks different than the others; pull on it as most skimmers are easy to remove so that the thief can get away quickly.

• Look for tamper-evident stickers

• If the pump has this it may be torn or it may read void indicating that the pupm has been tampered with
• Check the edges to see any evidence of prying. 

• Look out for Hidden cameras 

• Cameras may be placed above the pump to see your credit card and the pin number you type in.  Look for anything out of the ordinary and cover your hand as you type in your number; or even fake press a few numbers...

• Electronic Pickpockets

• There are small devices that can hack a card if your card has an RFID chip implanted in it. Now this isn't to be confused with the chip read that is on most credit cards now.  RFID is radio frequency ID chip that allows you to tap your credit card to pay.
• This feature is being phased out as a hacker only need to to be a few inches away.  There were wallets and sleeves that came out to protect from these hacks, but I recommend getting a card with out it.

• Use the Pump closest to the cashier

• Just for the simple fact criminals are less likely to hacked these pumps.

All in all the choice is yours.  Just be careful and safe.  Now pray the evil known as sinuses leave Tech's body so he can breath and be free of pain again.

Credit to 7 ways to Protect Yourself From Credit Card Fraud at Gas stations