FTC Offers Tips To Avoid Getting Scammed At Gas Pumps

There's a new warning for drivers about skimming scams at the gas pump.  With summer travel still in high gear, the Federal Trade Commission is reminding consumers to be vigilant when they gas up.  Swiping your credit card at the pump could potentially put your bank account at risk, as skimmers can grab data off credit or debit cards without your knowledge. 

The FTC has some tips to help avoid getting scammed.  Make sure the gas pump panel is closed and doesn't show signs of tampering; check out the card reader carefully to see if it looks different than the others; and try to wiggle the card reader before inserting your card.  If it's loose, report it to the attendant and use a different pump.  If you're using plastic at the pump, the FTC recommends using a credit card, but if you're using a debit card, run it as a credit card instead of entering your pin number. 

Photo: Getty Images


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