Credit, debit and identity theft is something everyone needs to be concerned with. While ATM’s, restaurants and bars, department stores and online come with their own set of risks, gas stations are the number one target because they have numerous credit card slots without a clerk watching each one. Take a large population, millions of tourists and beautiful weather almost every day and surprise, surprise; South Florida is the number one place for gas station theft.


Just this past week I had my credit card compromised. My assumption is that it was at a gas station as I was driving cross country. Luckily, Chase Bank spotted my card in use in Texas, a state I have never been to, and called me immediately. Within 48 hours, I had a new card. But, I rarely use my credit card so I can narrow it down to 3 places it was compromised; most likely a gas station. If you drive cross country you know that gas stations are at most exits and easy prey for tourists passing through.

How does this happen to someone who should know better? It was late, I was tired and I got lazy stupid. I gassed up at a gas station that was not in the best neighborhood. There were people hanging around and I never checked the pump for skimming devices or a security label. I was keeping an eye on my wife and dog and just forgot to check the pump. I hope my experience teaches others and maybe saves someone the hassle.



1: Use your credit card over a debit card
When my card was compromised, they lacked the expiration date and when they guessed incorrectly on the expiration date, the card was declined. With a debit card, they have your pin number and can go on a shopping spree until they are caught. Many banks also offer less liability protection on debit cards then credit cards. Credit is credit, debit is your money. You will usually get your money back as well on your debit card, but if they empty your bank account, you won’t be able to pay bills while the bank works it out.

2: Use your card inside the gas station
The whole idea of pay at the pump is to get in and out quickly. Unless you have a rare crooked attendant, then using the card inside helps you avoid skimmers. Also consider that most employees are on camera and the employer knows who they are, unlike thieves, so it’s a much safer bet.

3: Use your card as close to the cashier as possible
If you must use your card outside then try to get gas as close to the cashier as possible. Skimmers usually go for the farthest point from the cashier to stay out of sight of people and cameras.

4: Take a good look at the pump and your surroundings
Credit card skimmers used to be placed inside of a machine but now most gas stations use a “seal” so you can see if it was tampered with. Look for the seal. If it is torn, damaged or says void then don’t use it. From here, thieves have external devices that look like the credit card inserts andor keypad, known as overlays and they can be very convincing. Thieves usually target one pump so take a quick look at what the credit card area looks like on one pump, and then see if your pump is identical. Different styles or color of keypads is what you’re looking for. You could also jiggle the keypad or credit card insert to see if it moves. Go somewhere else if you are unsure.

You might also look for someone just hanging around, especially in a car. Technology is evolving, however and so are the thieves who can use technology like Bluetooth allowing them to stay further away than ever before. Again, if in doubt, go somewhere else.

5: Monitor your bank account online
It’s always a good idea to check your accounts for unusual activity. If the bank does not spot it, it could go on for months. This is simply good security for everybody.

Here's a video I found informative: