In modern times, the use of technological advancements has made fraud tactics increasingly difficult to guard against. Recently, following the discovery of a card skimmer at an ATM machine at a bank in Los Angeles County, a similar device was found at a gas station in Orange County.
The Garden Grove Police Department in Orange County received a report on August 31st regarding a card skimmer found on the keypad of a card reader at a gas station on Euclid Street in the 13500 block.
Also known as a card skimmer, criminals install these devices on ATMs, gas stations, and POS terminals to capture data from the magnetic stripe, allowing them to steal victims’ identities to create fake debit cards, credit cards, or electronic benefit transfer cards (EBT) to siphon money or benefits from the victims. The counterfeit keypad cover can also be used to obtain victims’ PIN numbers.
Most skimmers installed on ATMs and POS machines are directly attached to the original card reader, causing some readers to protrude outward. Skimmers installed at gas stations can be hidden inside the reader, making them harder to detect.
Authorities advise the public to be vigilant when refueling and suggest identifying the authenticity of card readers as much as possible or taking other precautions to avoid becoming victims.
Some tips include:
– Look for secure tape on the card reader panel at gas pumps; if the panel is tampered with, the tape will show the word “void.”
– Check if there is a skimmer installed on top of the card reader.
– Whenever possible, use a credit card instead of a debit card for refueling to avoid entering a PIN, as credit cards offer additional fraud protection.
– Choose the pump closest to the service attendant or pay inside at the cashier.
Coincidentally, before the appearance of skimmers at gas stations, on August 22nd, skimming devices were found for two consecutive days on an ATM at a bank in South Pasadena. Authorities are unsure how many victims’ information the perpetrators have obtained but recommend those who used this bank’s ATM during that period to change their PINs promptly.
Banks and law enforcement also provide tips to prevent card skimming:
– Before inserting the card, check for loose or suspicious components on the ATM or POS terminal. If detected, do not use the machine and report it to the merchant, bank, or local authorities.
– When entering a PIN, cover the keypad to prevent unauthorized individuals from seeing it.
– Preferably use contactless payment methods, such as chip card contactless payments or mobile e-wallet payments.
Authorities also remind people that POS terminals and ATMs in tourist areas are prime targets for criminals, so extra caution is necessary when using cards in these locations.
In addition, individuals should routinely check their bank statements. If any suspicious transactions are noticed, they should report to local law enforcement and notify the bank immediately.
Apart from card payments, scanning QR codes has become a popular payment method for many. However, this method is also susceptible to fraud.
For instance, the Redondo Beach Police Department in the popular Southern California tourist destination recently discovered approximately 150 parking meters with counterfeit payment QR codes affixed to them. If individuals make payments by scanning these fake codes, their location and personal payment information could be compromised.
As fraudsters continue to diversify their tactics, authorities emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant in daily life.