Identity theft is rampant throughout America. Over the past few years a new scam called "skimming" has been reported that everyone who drives a car should be aware of. Many people use caution when getting money out of ATMs but they may not be aware that they can have their money and information stolen at gas pumps as well. Often drivers will use their debit and credit cards to get gas at the pumps simply because it is the fastest and easiest way to get in and out of the station.
Skimming is the theft of credit card information that occurs during an otherwise legitimate credit card transaction A skimmer is a device that a thief will attach to the card scanner at the gas pump or ATM. It usually will slide over the original card slide so when you put in your card, the wrong scanner reads the information. A camera of some kind will be used to see what keys you press when inputting your PIN in the machine. This gives a skimmer all of the information they need to use your card. It is very easy to install skimming equipment and only takes a few minutes to install. So within minutes thieves are in business to steal your information.
The criminal activity of skimming has been accomplished all over the United States. There have even been reports of skimmers in ATM machines inside of banks. That means you aren't completely safe regardless of where you use your card. Gas pumps require the same key to be used to open the machines every day. This makes it easy for someone to access the inside of the pumps where they will install their scanner. The consumer will often not be able to notice anything on the exterior of the machine to show they have been tampered with. In order to protect yourself, before swiping that credit card go ahead and do the following simple things:
* You should only use gas pumps or ATMs that have a lot of traffic. If there are people present all of the time it is very difficult to attach the scanner that will skim your information.
* Check to be certain the card reader is secure. Try wiggling it. If it moves freely there is a good chance there is a skimming device attached to it. Don't use it. Report your findings to officials.
* When you are ready to enter your pin, cover the keypad with your other hand so no camera can get a view of what you are inputting. This will protect your PIN and your bank account.
* Keep a close eye on your account to be certain all transactions are yours. Report any discrepancies immediately.
You can be safe from identity theft and skimmers with a little knowledge. If you suspect a machine or gas pump has been tampered with, report to officials and the attendant immediately.
Billions of dollars have been taken using skimmers in ATMs and gas pumps making this a very real problem. Why is it so prevalent? Many think criminals look at skimming as a low risk crime that has a high payout. However, once you are caught, the punishment can be severe. For example, in California the overall skimming rate is the highest at 26% and the state has therefore instituted Penal Code Section 502.6 which states that "any person who possesses and uses a scanning and/or re-encoding device with the intent to defraud will be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by no more than one year in county jail and/or a fine not in excess of $1,000.”
Taking a theft class for educational purposes and to show retribution will most likely be part of the punishment as well. The most convenient and easiest way to take such a class is online. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so the perpetrator does not need to miss any school or work time to drive to a class. Courses are offered in length from 4 – 16 hours in length based on what the court is requiring. Upon passing the final exam at the end of the class, a certificate of completion will be issued to use as proof to the court that the class has successfully been taken.
