Getting gas can be enough of a chore, but add in the potential for a scam? No thanks. Unfortunately, card skimmers are becoming more common at the pump and can be hard to spot. These sneaky devices steal your card’s data for fraudulent purchases before you even realize what happened. The good news? Just a few simple precautions can help you stay one step ahead.
What are card skimmers?
Card skimmers are small, clever devices placed over or inside legitimate card readers. When you swipe or insert your card, the skimmer captures your card details. Some criminals even install hidden cameras or fake keypads to steal PINs. Skimmers are commonly found at self-service gas pumps, but they’ve also been spotted at ATMs and parking kiosks.
Because they’re designed to blend in, they’re easily overlooked. The answer? Keep a wary eye for the tell-tale signs someone’s added a card skimmer to your pump.
How to detect credit card skimmers
Remember: small and sneaky but not invisible. Here’s what to look out for before you swipe, wherever you’re making a purchase.
- Check the card reader: Does it look loose, damaged, or different from the others?
- Test for movement: If the reader wiggles or feels bulky, that’s a red flag.
- Inspect the security seal: Many stations use tamper-evident stickers near the pump door. If the seal is broken or missing, choose another pump or pay inside.
Taking a few extra seconds might save you a major fraud-induced headache later.
More ways to prevent credit card skimming
Protect your information further with a few more skim-stopping tips, even when you’re not tapping your card.
- Choose a pay terminal that is more visible to employees or cameras. These are less likely to have skimmers attached.
- Enable all the alerts on your accounts and monitor them closely so you can catch fraud fast. See this handy how-to guide we have on setting up alerts.
- Tap to pay. Use contactless payments whenever possible to remove the skimming potential altogether.
- When in doubt, just take your payment inside. Indoor terminals are much harder to compromise.
This might be an obvious tip, but paying with cash removes any potential for fraud. But if you prefer to get more mileage out of your fill ups, use a card that offers both rewards and serious security. Our Member Cash Rewards+ Credit Card that gives you 4% cash back on gas and EV charging stations2, plus advanced protection features like zero liability for fraudulent charges1 and contactless payment technology so you can tap instead of swipe and enjoy added peace of mind.
Whatever your preferred precaution, your instincts and a few simple measures will keep scams out of your life. Trust your gut, stay alert, and choose secure payment methods.
We’re always here with resources to keep you and your money thriving. Golden 1 offers dedicated support through our Member Advocates page, where we’ll help you navigate any concerns or suspected fraud. For immediate help, call our Member Service Contact Center at 1-877-GOLDEN 1 (1-877-465-3361), or visit our Security Center for more tips and resources.
1Golden 1 provides zero fraud liability for unauthorized transactions on your card, when promptly reported. Certain conditions and limitations may apply. See your Credit Card Account Agreement for additional information on unauthorized use.
2You earn cash rewards on net qualified purchases (less credits, returns and adjustments) for each $1 spent. No maximum limit on total cash rewards earned. Balance transfers, cash advances and cash-equivalent transactions, such as purchases of money orders or gift cards, and certain other purchases/transactions do not earn rewards. We reserve the right to determine in our sole discretion whether a particular transaction is a qualified purchase. A 4% cash reward is offered on net qualified gas purchases and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at eligible merchants. Cash rewards on gas and EV charging station purchases combined are limited to up to $5,000 in purchases annually, then 1% thereafter. A 3% cash reward is offered on net qualified purchases from eligible restaurants, including fast food and food delivery. A 3% cash reward is offered on net qualified purchases from eligible grocery stores or supermarkets. Purchases made at wholesale warehouse clubs are not eligible for rewards. All other net qualified eligible purchases will receive a 1% cash reward for each $1 spent.
