Ark Valley News - Card skimmer found in gas pump

Card skimmer found in gas pump
By David Dinell
Last Updated: April 28, 2016

A skimmer device was found inside a Park City gas pump this week.

The skimmer was reported April 25 at the Presto station, 6115 N. Air Cap Drive. The devices can record customers' financial data from debit or credit cards as they swipe them. Making this unusual is that it was inside the pump, said Park City Police Chief Phil Bostian.

"This device was the first one of its kind that has been found in Park City," he said. "In the past, credit card skimmers have usually been external devices that were attached to the outside of the card reader."

Those outside devices are easier to see because they often are attached to the card reader by adhesive or double-sided tape, he said.

By having a skimmer installed inside a gas pump, the criminal only has to drive up somewhere near the pump, and the stolen financial card information can be downloaded without the criminals leaving their vehicle.

There are no suspects at this time and the case is an ongoing investigation, Bostian said. However, it's clear someone had the ability to get inside the pump, he said.

If the person or persons who did this are caught, they will be charged with a felony in Sedgwick County District Court. Likely charges would be identity theft and unlawful use of a financial transaction device. Final charges would depend on the dollar amount of damage.

As technology changes and criminals get more technologically savvy, officials say these the sophistication of such crimes get more intense. Bostian said this device — wherein the data can be downloaded wirelessly — appears to be similar to others that other police departments are beginning to see nationwide.

The use of skimmers has exploded worldwide, with the United States having the distinction of being tops in terms of skimming-related losses, according to the Accounting Today website.

Experts say while the technology has existed for years, the devices are becoming more advanced, like the device found in Park City. While banks and card companies are fighting back, including using new chip cards, the best method to combat it is for card holders to be aware of it and conscious of the possibility of their data being stolen when they use their cards, say law enforcement officers such as Bostian.

One way around it is to simply use cash, but if that's not possible or preferred, simply go inside the store to make the payment.

The Park City Police Department offers the following advice for citizens to protect themselves from skimmers:

•Use the pumps nearest to the store windows. Although this is no guarantee of safety, these pumps are usually less likely to wired with internal skimmers.

•Use a credit card instead of a debit card if you do pay at the pump. Credit cards usually have more protection for consumers than debit cards.

•If the seal on the fuel pump's access door has been broken, do not use that pump.

•Avoid gas stations that close overnight. Stores that close overnight provide more opportunity for criminals to access the pumps without being detected.

•Gently pull on and wiggle the housing around the card reader. If it appears loose, do not use it.

•Cover the keypad with your hand when you enter your PIN. Some criminals install small cameras nearby that record you as you enter your PIN. Covering the keyboard will prevent your PIN from being recorded on video.

•Pay attention to your credit card statement. Check your account frequently online.

•Answer your phone promptly if your credit card company attempts to call you. They may be trying to check with you about apparent fraudulent charges.

•Immediately report any suspicious activity on your account to your credit card company or financial institution.