- Make sure security tape on a gas pump dispenser is not torn
- Use a gas pump closer to the front of the store
- Use a credit card instead of a debit card when possible
- Immediately report any suspicion of foul play
In response to the criminal activity, state lawmakers passed a law last year requiring security measures at gas pumps and reclassifying the crime to allow for tougher sentencing. A spokesman for the Florida Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association believes the legislative efforts will make a difference. “You can’t catch every single bad guy but adding a layer of security and increasing penalties for being caught with a skimmer, protects our 10,000 members and consumers.” James Miller also points out that skimmers present a financial threat to gas stations, which are branded as unsafe, after a skimming device is uncovered. “That’s why we’re assisting with security training for convenience store employees, teaching them to check every pump three times a day.”
It’s encouraging to know lawmakers and state agencies have taken steps to thwart the prevalence of skimmers but devices are still out there and law enforcement experts agree skimmers are now more advanced, and smaller and easier to use.
In order to outsmart culprits who plant skimmers, it’s best to keep skimming in mind when pulling into a gas station. As Commissioner Putnam explained this summer, “an educated consumer is the best defense” to avoid skimmers.
Sources: Florida Politics, Palm Beach Post, Fresh From Florida, ABC News
Disclaimer: The information on this website and blog is for general informational purposes only and is not professional advice. We make no guarantees of accuracy or completeness. We disclaim all liability for errors, omissions, or reliance on this content. Always consult a qualified professional for specific guidance.
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