December 30, 2009
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News: More Waiting At The Pumps Than Convenience
Pay at the pump gas pumps have more to offer than convenience, criminals planted debit and credit card skimming devices in station pumps up and down the Interstate 85 corridor in North Carolina (NC). Skimming machines are small devices that thieves place inside the debit and credit card reader that steals the customer's card information when they swipe their cards. The device records the information off of the magnetic strip and a hidden camera is used to capture the debit card's PIN number and the card holder's ZIP code. Thieves use the stolen information to manufacture counterfeit credit cards which they can use at other locations and to withdraw cash advances.
It was recently discovered that a number of these credit card skimming devices were placed in gas pumps along the North Carolina section of Interstate 85. It is suspected that thousands of travelers have had their debit and credit card information stolen. Customers of the State Employee Credit Union (SECU) alone have already notified over 300 customers that their card data has been compromised. The incidents have not been limited to the State of NC; other states have been affected including California, Washington, Arizonian, Florida, and New Jersey.
The SECU has obtained photographs of six men suspected of being part of the ring stealing the cards. Apparently these men were caught on surveillance tape using the counterfeit debit and credit cards in North Carolina. The authorities in Bakersfield, California are searching for two men that suspect of the fraudulent activities as well. The authorities are warning all consumers to be attentive to the gas pump card devices. If they notice any unusual or attached device, they should immediately notify the authorities. Additionally, the police say consumers should cover their hand over the key pad when entering PIN numbers and ZIP codes.