WSDA Searching For Skimmers

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has teamed up with banks, credit unions, law enforcement and gas station owners to combat the growing problem of credit card skimmers.  A skimmer is an electronic device placed at gas pumps, intended to steal your debit and credit card information.  Jerry Buendel with the WSDA’s Weights and Measures division says chances are you wouldn’t be able to tell, because skimmers are planted internally.

“There are a few that are external in the really old credit card skimmers that have the kind with a  nose, if you will, that would stick out.”

Buendel said the problem of skimmers is growing nationally, in both rural and urban communities.

“It’s a widespread crime.  Some of the favorite places that people like to go are places near really busy streets and along interstate highways.  These criminals are very skilled, they can plant these devices in less than a minute without being detected.”

Buendel said consumers can help themselves by inspecting the exterior of credit card slots for any abnormalities, or go inside the building to pay, or even better, pay in cash.

Fuel station owners and employees can help prevent skimmer theft by following these tips:

• Install high-quality locks or use tamper-resistant seals on fuel dispensers.
• Install alarms or automatic shutoff devices that activate when a dispenser is opened.
• Inspect the fuel pumps frequently – both outside and inside.
• Upgrade your fuel dispensers to accept chip-enabled debit and credit cards.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com