Credit Card Security At Gas Pumps
What You Can Do To Protect Yourself From Being Ripped Off
Posted by Charlie Recksieck
on 2024-12-04
For years gas station pump points-of-sale have been a prime location for stealing credit card info. Although there have been some new basic requirements and regulations for stations, the security at pumps has only slowly evolved and there's still lots of vulnerabilities.
So, let's start with what you can do about and then stick around if you're interested in some of the technical aspects.
The Problem
A major threat at gas stations is the use of card skimmers-devices criminals attach to pumps to steal card data. Criminals attach skimming devices or fake faceplates to pumps that capture card data; some are purely physical; others add wireless transmitters so thieves can retrieve data remotely.
Some tampering involves hidden cameras or overlays to capture PINs or card details.
Malware or compromised POS/terminal networks can also be used to harvest payment data when systems are poorly secured.
Things You Can Do As A Consumer To Protect Your Card
Some of these might seem obvious but here's all of the basics you need to be protected
Contactless payment is the best/safest.
Go with that.
Inserting chip cards are safer than sliding.
Inspect the pump before use: look for loose or misaligned card readers, scratched seals, extra attachments, or damaged keypad.
If you can grab it and wiggle it, it might be suspect.
If a pump looks tampered with, report it to station staff.
Use credit instead of debit when you can so you don't have to enter a PIN number.
Cover and shield the keypad when entering a PIN.
If your gas station has an app that allows you to pay through there, that is the best you can do right now ... go with that.
Use the inside pay station where possible (clerks use secured terminals).
Monitor bank/card statements and enable transaction alerts so you catch fraud early.
Technical Aspects
Security at gas stations has become increasingly important as fueling stations adopt connected payment systems and digital point-of-sale (POS) terminals. To protect customers' financial information, gas stations must implement multiple layers of security that safeguard data as it moves from the pump to payment processors over the internet.
A key aspect is encryption. Payment data transmitted over networks should be encrypted using strong standards such as TLS, ensuring that sensitive information like card numbers and PINs cannot be intercepted or read by unauthorized parties. Many stations also use tokenization, replacing card data with a unique token so the actual card number never travels across the network, reducing the risk of theft.
Another essential measure is PCI DSS compliance (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). Gas station operators must follow strict guidelines on how card data is handled, stored, and transmitted. These requirements include maintaining secure networks, regularly testing systems, and restricting access to sensitive information. Compliance not only enhances security but is also mandatory for businesses that handle card payments.
Credit card skimmers often are physical devices, sophisticated versions now include wireless or internet-based components that transmit stolen card data remotely. To combat this, many stations are adopting EMV chip card readers and contactless payment methods, which significantly reduce the risk of card cloning because chip data cannot be easily copied.
Network segmentation also plays a vital role in card security. Gas station POS systems should be isolated from other business networks, such as Wi-Fi used by employees or customers, to prevent attackers from gaining access through less secure systems. Regular software updates, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and continuous monitoring further strengthen internet security defenses. This is in theory and not strictly enforced; more fly-by-night stations might conceivably skip this.
Basically, effective internet card security at gas stations requires a combination of strong encryption, compliance with industry standards, advanced payment technologies, network protection, and awareness. By adopting these measures, gas stations can significantly reduce the risk of cyber theft and protect customer payment data.
Consumer Takeaway
As with any other crime-prevention, just don't be the low-hanging fruit for criminals. Houses with locked doors and dogs get robbed less often than others.
Do the basics we listed above and otherwise don't drive yourself crazy. Just don't be the most-easily ripped-off person.
