[The Mountaineer]

I got a $4,179 charge on my credit card the day after using La Bodega Shell Circle K for gasoline fillup. The skimmer, which electronically gives the crooks your credit card number, might not be there because I also used Publix with my credit card, but I'd keep an eye out after your transaction for any use of a hand-held skimmer.

Fortunately, my credit card fraud alert stopped the charge, made online with Apple for an electronic sale. But that means that card number is blocked and unusable forever and I'll get a new number and card. Which means I'll have to go through the hassle of notifying all the businesses where I have automatic payments set up, a real pain.

I know because I had my number hacked several years ago in New York City by a McDonald's employee who turned my card over to read the security number. Next thing I knew, parking charge and Wal-Mart charge appeared on my bill.

These scumbags just skimmer everyone because they know all of them can't get caught. In this case, they tried for too big a bite at one time. In New York City, they stayed under the $500 automatic fraud notification.

Anyway, you've been warned. Skimmer crooks re everywhere. When I called the Sheriff's Department to alert them about my credit card purchase locations, the officer said: "They're all over the place, but not at this location so far."

[Jima64]

At gas stations I always look to see if the state inspection tape on the outside of the pump is intact or broken. I also pull on where you insert your card.

[villagetinker]

There was a news article about a new Blue Tooth (wireless) skimmer. The crook uses a key to open the pump, install the skimmer, and then only needs to be near by to get the data..........
Years ago, I always used cash to buy gas. Then I started using credit cards for the convenience as this avoided 2 trips to the counter.
What I have done is setup my credit card account with email notification of ANY charges over $25 and ANY Internet charges. I typically get the notification in 15 minutes or less, and have been able to block 2 suspicious charges immediately.
I may look into text message to my phone for even quicker notification.
Hope this helps.

[Sable99]

They also have those gadgets where they can skim your cards when they walk by you. I bought a RFID wallet to protect my cards when they are inside my purse. Hope it helps!

[goodtimesintv]

Originally Posted by The Mountaineer

I got a $4,179 charge on my credit card the day after using La Bodega Shell Circle K for gasoline fillup. The skimmer, which electronically gives the crooks your credit card number, might not be there because I also used Publix with my credit card, but I'd keep an eye out after your transaction for any use of a hand-held skimmer.

Fortunately, my credit card fraud alert stopped the charge, made online with Apple for an electronic sale. But that means that card number is blocked and unusable forever and I'll get a new number and card. Which means I'll have to go through the hassle of notifying all the businesses where I have automatic payments set up, a real pain.

I know because I had my number hacked several years ago in New York City by a McDonald's employee who turned my card over to read the security number. Next thing I knew, parking charge and Wal-Mart charge appeared on my bill.

These scumbags just skimmer everyone because they know all of them can't get caught. In this case, they tried for too big a bite at one time. In New York City, they stayed under the $500 automatic fraud notification.

Anyway, you've been warned. Skimmer crooks re everywhere. When I called the Sheriff's Department to alert them about my credit card purchase locations, the officer said: "They're all over the place, but not at this location so far."

While right to give warning, this is causing undue alarm. When our credit cards have been used fraudulently a few times, the credit card company calls and tells us they DECLINED a purchase for that amount, and the amounts were for internet purchases, not brick and mortar stores/retailers.

Also, the credit card companies have told us that particular businesses where you used your card are not the likely culprits, as most are internet fraudsters who simply run numbers till they hit one that sticks when making a trial, small purchase online. The card companies' fraud detection units can find the culprits by going directly to the IP number of the computer used online.

Mention of Apple online for electronic purchase also adds in complexity most people don't understand and don't need to worry about getting or not getting. The credit card companies themselves have spent billions on fraud detection, and this is also why many are going to the embedded chip card encrypted credit cards most businesses are getting the card readers for.

In the end, the best way to go with a mastercard or visa debit card is to run it "as credit" thru the system, and not with debit pin number, because master card and visa protection covers any fraudulent charges that might get approved.

At a gas pump I use either bank credit card or AMEX credit card, or better yet, a Marathon or Shell gas credit card.

[Sable99]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

There was a news article about a new Blue Tooth (wireless) skimmer. The crook uses a key to open the pump, install the skimmer, and then only needs to be near by to get the data..........
Years ago, I always used cash to buy gas. Then I started using credit cards for the convenience as this avoided 2 trips to the counter.
What I have done is setup my credit card account with email notification of ANY charges over $25 and ANY Internet charges. I typically get the notification in 15 minutes or less, and have been able to block 2 suspicious charges immediately.
I may look into text message to my phone for even quicker notification.
Hope this helps.

I will have to look into the text notifications. Great idea!

[JoMar]

I have all cards on a 100.00 alert with text notifications. The speed is amazing, I have received the alert within seconds of the card being entered. I have both my wife's phone and mine receiving the texts. As apple pay and PayPal becomes more available I will be paying with those apps.

[asianthree]

I use one card for auto pays. And American Express for purchasing. AE fixes a problem and overnight new card. I never leave home without it

[bagboy]

Originally Posted by Sable99

They also have those gadgets where they can skim your cards when they walk by you. I bought a RFID wallet to protect my cards when they are inside my purse. Hope it helps!

Not long ago, a poster berated a server and accused them of being a thief after their credit card was compromised. It could have been the nice little old lady sitting in a booth with a portable skimmer just as easily.

[Villager Joyce]

We buy gas cards when on sake at Publix ($50 for $40). Marathon at Pinellas gives cash price when using these cards. Safe and convenient.

[Topspinmo]

Feds want to go wireless and trash paper money. They can't even run business collection department (IRS) and we are still in the 20th century with automated electronic transactions. Amazes me we can put man on the moon, but catch even protect credit cards let along catch crooks or block overseas credit card hackers. IMO cash is STILL King. Untraceable, untouchable, and un-reportable to no-one but the receiver.

[Shimpy]

Both Shell stations on 466 and the one at 301 and 44 have new pumps with a sign stating that they are credit card protected.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by Shimpy

Both Shell stations on 466 and the one at 301 and 44 have new pumps with a sign stating that they are credit card protected.

The Shell on 466A has a sign saying credit cards are unprotected, and skimmers may be in use. (Somewhat joking, but I've cards compromised after fueling up there.)

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Sable99

I will have to look into the text notifications. Great idea!

We do this with both our Visa and Amex cards. If you're signed up to view your account online, you can set up an alert for any amount at all. I choose to receive an alert any time the card is used, no matter the amount. Sometimes scammers will charge a small amount to see if it will go through.

I once caught a $2000 fraudulent charge posted to "pending charges" and was able to have the fraud department call the store it came from and cancel the charge without having to cancel our card, as we were going out of town and needed the card. (Of course I kept a careful eye on the card charges.)

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by CFrance

We do this with both our Visa and Amex cards. If you're signed up to view your account online, you can set up an alert for any amount at all. I choose to receive an alert any time the card is used, no matter the amount. Sometimes scammers will charge a small amount to see if it will go through.

I once caught a $2000 fraudulent charge posted to "pending charges" and was able to have the fraud department call the store it came from and cancel the charge without having to cancel our card, as we were going out of town and needed the card. (Of course I kept a careful eye on the card charges.)

Well done CF. I also have our cards set up the same way.

Despite getting an email of an event and responding within 2 hours, I had to demand correction 4 times over a 7 day period.