MICHIGAN (WPBN/WGTU) — For most of us the holidays are a time of giving, but for criminals, the holidays are a perfect time for taking.
There are a number of scams to look out for this time of year, especially with so many people traveling.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding drivers to stay alert for potential credit card skimming.
With increased holiday travel, criminals often target unsuspecting motorists using hidden devices inside fuel pumps to steal credit and debit card information.
“As Michiganders prepare to hit the road and visit loved ones this holiday season, MDARD is working diligently to ensure consumers are protected at the pump,” said Director Tim Boring. “Our inspectors play a vital role in keeping motorists safe from fraud by thoroughly checking for skimming devices during routine inspections, as well as ensuring the quality and quantity of fuel delivered. We want every driver to know that when they fill up, they’re getting exactly what they pay for.”
Simple steps to protect yourself from card skimmers:
- Choose the pump nearest the cashier. Criminals are less likely to install skimmers near a staff member.
- Inspect the card reader for tampering. Look for loose or discolored panels, exposed wires, or unusual scuff marks—these could signal the presence of a skimmer.
- Always select “Credit” when paying. This avoids entering your PIN, which could be stolen by a skimmer. Instead, you’ll only need to enter your zip code, which is safer.
- Monitor your banking accounts while traveling to catch fraudulent activity.
MDARD also actively collaborates with the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and local law enforcement to investigate and apprehend those responsible for skimming devices.
Source: Protecting your banking information at the gas pumps
