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News India Live, Digital Desk: Scammers’ New Tricks: Nowadays, payment of credit or debit card at petrol pump has become a common practice, but at the same time the risk of fraud called ‘Card Skiming’ Card Skimming has increased. Skiming is a technique where fraudsters steal your card information without your knowledge. This is a serious problem that can empty your bank account. Therefore, it is very important to know what is the card skimming and how to avoid it, especially when you are paying at the petrol pump.
What is card skimming?
Card skimming is a type of financial fraud in which fraudsters put a small tool (called ‘skimmer) in credit or debit card reader (eg POS machine on petrol pump) quietly. When you swipe or insert your card, this device copies all information from the magnetic strip of your card, such as card number, expiry date, and sometimes CVV. Also, in some cases they place a fake keypad or a small hidden camera above the keypad to stolen your PIN number. Once stealing the information, they can make fake cards using that information or shop online.
How is skimming at petrol pump?
Petrol pump is an easy place for skimming because there are often fast transactions and employees are a bit busy. The fraudsters often keep a skimming device on these machines or when the employee takes your card, they handle the machine with one hand and secretly skimp with the other hand. Sometimes the skimming device is very fine, which is difficult to identify. An indirect way to gather information through number plate scanning is being seen nowadays, although it does not have a direct connection with skimming.
How to avoid card skimming?
Check the machine: Watch the card reader and keypad carefully before inserting the card or swipe. If you see any loose or strange looking part, be cautious.
Always keep the card in front of your eyes: While giving his card to the employee, always keep in mind that he should not take your card away from your eyes. Try to swipe yourself or put it in the machine.
Hide while putting a pin: Always cover the keypad with your other hand or body while entering the pin number so that no camera or a person standing nearby can see your PIN.
Pay cash on suspect: If you find a machine or employee suspect at a petrol pump, it would be better that you pay cash.
Activate SMS Alert: Get your bank activated SMS or email alert for transactions. Inform the bank immediately on any unusual activity.
Check bank statement regularly: Regularly review your bank and credit card statement so that any unauthorized transactions can be detected immediately.
Use RFID protection: Some wallets come with RFID-blocking technology that can protect from wireless skimming (if anyone bring NFC skimmer near your card).
By following these precautions, you can avoid suffering from credit debit card skimming fraud at petrol pump. Always prioritize security while adopting digital payments.