Take Steps on Skimmer Prevention

Is your business protected from this high-tech data theft? Occurrences of credit card skimming continue to grow nationally. As the EMV deadline approaches, security experts from NACS expect the rate to spike, and the risk increases as fraudsters migrate to weak links, including sites that are not actively inspecting pumps and non-EMV compliant sites.  

Skimmers can be installed externally and internally on a fuel dispenser. Externally, the device is placed over the card reader or keypad.  Internally, known as inline, it’s connected with the card reader and relays consumer data in almost real time via Bluetooth or cellular connection. Thieves usually are stationed nearby to capture credit card data from magnetic strips.

Click here for more details from NACS: Protecting Consumers from Skimmers

Skimmer education video from NACS: Skimming & Payment Security

Skimmer Detected

Retailers should develop a procedure to frequently check for skimmer devices and who to contact if one is discovered. If a skimmer is detected, do not touch the device, leave it in place for police because the dispenser is now a crime scene. It may not be your credit card information that was stolen, but it will affect your business. Skimmer prevention can help your business avoid a negative experience with long-term consequences.

A multi-layer approach works best to guard against Skimming. Below are Sinclair Best Practices for Skimmer Prevention:

• Keep an eye on customers and potential suspicious behavior. Make sure the line of sight is not blocked at the fuel island. If you cannot provide an active line of sight for employees, install cameras that cover all fueling positions. Skimmers can be installed quickly.
• Replace the generic locks that come with dispensers with custom security locks
• Use security seals with serial numbers to determine if a door has been opened. Check at least once daily, but an examination prior to each shift is recommended. Have employees snap a picture so a record of differences in wiring can be noted and compared.
• Make weekly inspections of card readers, etc. inside the dispenser. This includes checking the pump lock to ensure it fits the store’s key and hasn’t been replaced.

Sinclair recommends the 600 series from Lock America. Upper Door Panel & Printer Door at a cost of about $15 each. Below are suggested lock specifications:

• Registered key codes.
• Pick Proof Mechanisms. No pins or springs that can be manipulated to a “shear” line to rotate and open.
• Anti-Drill spinner disc at the keyway entrance.
• Non-Duplicable keys, robust and solid.
• Brass Construction.
• Disc Tumbler’s, not pins and springs that accumulate debris.
• Highest security locking for protecting the dispensers valuable internal date and help prevent CC skimmers.