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"Skimmers" At Gas Pumps Found in Southern, Central Wisconsin

en.wikipedia.org

The criminal practice of "skimming" has hit Wisconsin.

The state's Consumer Protection agency says it's aware of skimmers at gas stations throughout the state using either false card readers that slip over the real ones, or cables that steal data before it gets to the main circuits of gas pumps.

Jerad Albracht of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says when you put your card in the pump, the information is siphoned off by an internal skimmer....

"....they are cords that go inside the system and they have a recording device in them. The information flows through the card reader on the way to the main board where the transaction takes place and while it's passing through the cord it's collected in a recorder where it's used by a criminal later...."

Albracht says the ripoff can happen using the latest technology...

"....the latest ones and some of the newer ones have Blue Tooth involved. So a criminal can actually put the skimmer in the system once and then just do a 'drive-by' and get the information on their mobile device without having to reaccess...."

Officials say you can check for a fake card reader by gently wiggling the reader that's on the pump, and see if any security seals were broken. However, Albracht says most people will have no idea they used altered devices until they see their credit card bills. He says it's another reason people should pay close attention to their monthly statements and get regular credit reports.

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