In recent years, card skimmers have become a major problem at gas stations.

How these skimmer devices work is simple. A skimmer is placed on or near a card reader. Then, when someone inputs their card, the skimmer reads its data and wirelessly transmits it to a receiver, where it can be sold or traded by malicious actors.

These devices are small, hard to detect, and easy to install. That’s why it’s not surprising that around 30% of consumers suspect they’ve been the victim of card skimming. 

Often, these skimming devices are difficult to find, as criminals are adept at covering their tracks. Sometimes, however, traces of tampering are fairly noticeable, as one TikTok user recently discovered.

What’s Wrong With This Gas Pump?

In his video with over 4,800 views, TikTok user Jay (@skapunkjay) shows a pump at a Citgo gas station.

“I’m already pumping gas, and I look over, and I see this,” he starts.

Jay then shows a piece of tape with the Shell logo on it. He found this to be strange as Shell and Citgo are not affiliated.

“I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s, that’s really weird,’” he continues.

Looking closer, he realizes that the Shell tape was covering a keyhole. By gently pulling on the front of the gas pump, he’s able to fully remove the panel, exposing the circuitry within.

“What the [expletive]?” he exclaims. 

Jake believes this gas pump has a skimmer installed inside, but it’s too late to do anything as the gas is already pumping.

“And I already put my [expletive] card in,” he concludes. 

Did Someone Add A Skimmer To This Gas Pump?

Jay seems to believe that someone tampered with this gas pump in order to install a skimmer or some other malicious device.

However, that’s not necessarily the case. There are numerous, totally legitimate reasons why a gas pump might be opened — and, apparently, left unlocked by a forgetful technician.

Fuel pumps must be regularly maintained in order to function properly. Some of these maintenance steps can involve opening the pump. For example, a pump owner may need to fix or replace some of the internal wiring, or install new components to keep up with current regulations, Aocheng Group shares.

In short, someone unlocking a fuel pump isn’t always a cause for concern. However, someone leaving a fuel pump unlocked allowing people to tamper with the internal circuitry should be a reason to pause before inserting your card. 

How Can You Detect Card Skimmers?

In Jay’s situation, he may need to lock his card and order a new one if he truly suspects his information has been stolen.

That said, others who want to avoid this fate can take some small steps to ensure that their data is safe.

As explained by Reader’s Digest, scammers often install card skimmers at gas stations due to the high number of transactions that occur over a short period of time. Even if a skimmer is caught only a few days after installation, the scammer will likely get enough card numbers to make the risk worth it.

Some skimmers are easier to detect than others, MotorBiscuit previously reported. For example, one can look at the card reader and tug on it to see if any additional devices have been added. A good clue is whether the card reader on one pump looks different from the readers on the others. 

External skimmers are still the most common. However, some scammers will open devices and place skimmers inside, making detection more difficult.

How To Avoid A Card Skimmer

Ideally, the best way to avoid a card skimmer is to avoid the physical swipe altogether.

Canvas Credit Union reports, instances of skimming from contactless cards are still fairly low. This means that one is likely safe from skimming if they tap their card instead of inserting it. This also includes paying with the chip rather than the magnetic stripe.

Digital wallet options are even better. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay work by effectively generating a new number for every transaction, making it near-impossible to skim. 

Commenters Are Frustrated

In the comments section, many users said that their paranoia about issues like these has led them to change their payment behavior.

“I’m too paranoid to ever pay at the pump,” one TikTok user wrote.

“Welp…now I gotta check the sides too,” another added.

“My dad had his information stolen 3 times paying at the pump in a 5 year period,” revealed a third.

“Thanks for the heads up.” one shared.

“I have NEVER paid at the pump because of that.” another revealed.

We’ve reached out to Jay via Instagram DM and email, and Citgo via media contact form.

@skapunkjay

WTF?!

♬ original sound – Ska Punk Jay