AUSTIN – When you head out to the Black Friday sales with your credit card, remember to tap to pay or use a trusted payment app on a mobile phone when possible, instead of inserting your card into the payment pad or swiping the card to pay.
The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) have additional advice for avoiding credit card skimmers at the gas pump and at other payment devices, and they’ve gathered it into a PSA on the TDLR YouTube channel:
Most skimmers have been placed deep inside the gas pump cabinet and it won’t be obvious that something’s wrong, but there are still some things consumers can check for before using a credit card at a gas station:
• Look at the gas pump and cabinet – do they look damaged, or look like they’ve been tampered with?
At gas stations and other stores:
• Wiggle the card slot – is it loose?
• Look at the keypad – is it loose or does it look like something has been placed on top of it?
• Additional ways consumers can protect themselves:
Always use a credit card, not a debit card, if you’re not going to pay cash – this protects the PIN and prevents access to a bank account
Set card usage or transaction alerts for bank and credit card accounts. Most major banks offer apps that allow real-time monitoring of accounts.
Regularly monitor credit card and bank statements for fraudulent charges or suspicious transactions
The FCIC, which coordinates law enforcement investigations into organized financial fraud, was the first statewide unit of its kind in the United States and operates as a partnership between TDLR and the Smith County District Attorney’s Office. TDLR regulates motor fuel metering and quality and collects consumer complaints and merchant reports related to credit card skimmers. The Smith County DA aggressively investigates and prosecutes criminals engaging in organized financial crimes such as fraud related to gasoline pump skimmers.
TDLR provides regulatory oversight for a broad range of occupations, businesses, facilities, and equipment in Texas. The agency protects the health and safety of Texans by ensuring they are served by qualified, licensed professionals. Inspections of individuals, businesses, and equipment are done on a regular basis to safeguard the public. Currently, the agency regulates 38 business and occupational licensing programs with almost 1,000,000 licensees across the state.
Visit TDLR’s website for more information and resources. You can search the TDLR licensee database, and also find past violations in which a final order was issued against companies or individuals. TDLR’s Customer Service line is available anytime between 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-800-803-9202. TDLR representatives are fluent in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
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