“Preventing Gas Card Skimming with Gas Pump Tamper-Evident Labels”
Labels among ways gas stations can protect customers from skimming
Foiling thieves that use skimming – capturing credit card numbers and ATM account information through a device at the gas pump – is an ongoing challenge. Criminals are improving their technology, whether they’re obtaining master keys that open multiple pumps or using wireless skimmers that send card data to them directly, according to Consumer Reports. In addition, most U.S. cards use old magnetic-strip technology that makes it easy for criminals to steal information and duplicate cards.
Store owners can use a simple technology to stop many of these attempts. Security labels, if properly installed and monitored, can prevent tampering by making installation of skimmers detectable. Especially effective are the “WeCare” labels that show “void” if they are disturbed.
The National Association of Convenience Stores, now the Association for Convenience and Fuel Retail, developed the labels.
Here are fifteen ways to use labels and other techniques to prevent fraud.
- Place the sticker over the opening of the dispenser access panel, not across the hinge. Record the sticker’s serial number and the fueling position, and note scratches and dents. That way, new damage can be flagged as evidence of tampering.
- Consider taking photos inside and outside the dispensers for an accurate record of “as-is” condition.
- Visually inspect every dispenser at least once daily. This can be done as part of shift change procedures.
- Give employees an inspection checklist and train them to use it.
- Inspect the stickers, making sure they’re intact. Verify the serial numbers against those recorded to make sure the stickers haven’t been removed and replaced.
- Examine locks and panels for new scratches, dents or cuts.
- Bag dispensers immediately and take them offline if there is evidence of tampering.
- Contact a qualified service provider to check the interior for a skimmer. If found, contact local law enforcement but leave the skimmer in place.
- Set standards for technician visits. Get proper IDs from technicians before work is performed on POS or dispensers. Be suspicious of unplanned service visits, especially off hours.
- Remove obstructions so employees can see all dispensers from inside
the store.
- Warn employees to be suspicious of vehicles parked for a long time, especially at outside islands.
- Monitor dispensers for high levels of bad card readings or problems accepting cards.
- Be alert to any off-line messages and investigate them when they occur.
- Employ clearly labeled video surveillance.
- Upgrade to more secure technology, including PCI-compliant Encrypting PIN Pads; card readers that encrypt cards’ magnetic stripe data; and dispenser locks that are unique to your location.
You can get label ordering information by visiting our skimming preventative practices page.
