In the wake of several reports about card skimmers found at local gas stations, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Spartanburg is emphasizing vigilance and offering safety tips for consumers.
A card skimmer is a deceitful device designed to steal debit or credit card information. These skimming devices are subtle to the point that they often blend seamlessly with the terminal, making it extremely difficult for unwary users to identify them.
“The problem is not confined to South Carolina; it’s a nationwide dilemma. Unknowingly, consumers lose thousands of dollars while the scammers continue resorting to such tactics,” warns Hunter Jones, President of the BBB of the Upstate.
Earlier this week, six card skimmers were unearthed at two different Valero gas stations across Spartanburg County. Jones further elaborates on the skimming process, “When a customer inserts their card into the slot, that’s when the scammers get hold of their credit card data.”
Among the recovered skimmers, a sophisticated Bluetooth device was found integrated into a card reader at a Spartanburg station. These devices allow scammers to remotely access stolen information without having to physically retrieve the skimmer.
“Unfortunately, people continue to be victimized by this. It’s easy for scammers to install skimmers either at night or even in daylight pretending to fuel their vehicles,” says Jones.
The BBB suggests checking for inspection stickers around the gas pump. If these seem tampered or broken, the consumers are advised to notify the station attendant immediately.
“I would not suggest consumers to start shaking things or disturbing devices as it could potentially infringe on property rights and possibly damage the equipment,” states Jones.
The organization also advises to look for any color distinction around the card reader, consider paying with cash, and examine the card slot for any resistance or issues while inserting or retrieving the card.
If one feels they have fallen prey to such an activity, they should report it immediately. The BBB suggests checking your credit reports for any unauthorized activity. One can do so by visiting annualcreditreport.com where all three credit reporting agencies can be checked for possible inconsistencies.
By educating consumers about the threat of card skimming and how to identify potential skimmers, BBB aims to diminish the prevalence of this type of financial fraud.
The BBB’s advice is clear – stay vigilant, review financial transactions frequently, and ensure your credit and debit cards are secure. Awareness is the key to ensure that scammers find it increasingly tough to exploit unwary consumers in Spartanburg County and beyond.
