How to Protect Your Personal Information at the Gas Pump

The following information was provided by the CT Department of Consumer Protection.

The Department of Consumer Protection has seen the number of skimming related incidents reported nearly double this year compared to 2015. These occur when a gas pump card reader is not secure and personal information could be taken from someone’s credit card.

Consumers should stay extra conscious of their surroundings at the gas pump during this time of heightened holiday travel.

What You Can Do at the Pump to Protect Yourself:

• Make sure the seal on each gas pump isn’t broken or tampered with. If it is, that indicates that someone not authorized to inspect a gas pump has tampered with it.
• If you see a pump that you believe may have been tampered with – don’t use it. You should report that pump’s issue to the gas station attendant.
• Use your credit card or pay by cash. If you pay by cash, you won’t fall victim to a skimming attack. If you use your credit card, you will be able to recover your funds more easily, and keep money in your bank account.
• Pay inside. Paying inside reduces your risk of falling victim to a skimming attack significantly because it’s much harder for fraudsters to place a skimmer indoors near the cash register. If you must pay outside, pick the pump closest to the building or security camera.

What You Can Do at Home:

• Check your credit card statement regularly. If you have a charge that looks unfamiliar, it’s important that you notice as soon as possible. That way, you can have a conversation with your credit card company.
• Plan your trips. If you’re taking a long holiday road trip, plan ahead so you know where you’re getting gas and you can re-trace your steps if need be.
• If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a skimming attack call your credit company first to make sure you get the necessary paperwork to get what you spent returned. Then make sure you alert your local police and DCP.

If consumers have questions for DCP, or need to file a complaint related to gasoline, they may contact our Food and Standards Division at [email protected] or (860) 713-6160.

An example of a secured gas pump seal is pictured here: