Skimming Scams in the San Jose Area
We are seeing an uptick in the San Jose area in skimming devices on self-service card terminals such as gas pumps. We would like to remind you of the following best practices whenever using fuel dispensers, or any self-service terminals:
- Look closely at the card reader and keypad. If anything looks misaligned or looks like it doesn’t belong, do not use the terminal.
- Check the card reader housing door. The terminal can be tampered with from inside. Station employees may place serial-numbered security tape across the card reader housing door, so check to see if the tape has been broken. If there’s no tape, check to see if the card reader housing door looks as though it has been forced open. If so, avoid the pump.
- Wiggle the card reader. If anything feels loose or comes off do not use this terminal. Also be cautious if it is hard to insert your card, there may be a skimmer hidden within the reader.
- Use pumps closest to the actual building. Although it is not 100% safe, it is less likely that a skimmer would be placed at a pump within the clerk’s line of sight.
- Consider paying inside.
- If available, use your digital wallet (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay) to pay for your gas as the digital wallets provide additional security.
Team Meriwest