The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) was notified by the Duncanville Police Dept. of a fuel pump skimmer located at a community gas station. They have issued a video providing tips for consumers on how to protect their identity on this growing crime.
The TDA inspector confirmed there was a skimmer on pump #6 at Anisha Food Store located at 102 S. Cedar Ridge Drive after further inspection.
TDA looks for illegal credit card skimmers as part of their consumer protection responsibilities for over 400,000 fuel pumps statewide. If a skimmer device is suspected or found, TDA will contact local law enforcement authorities for removal of the device and subsequent criminal investigation.
Consumers are encouraged to pay attention when paying for gas at the fuel pump. If the credit card scanner looks like it has been tampered with, move to another pump or pay inside. If you notice fraudulent charges on your account, contact your financial institution immediately.
Tips to avoid having your identity and money stolen via credit card skimmers
If paying at the pump with a credit card, these tips might help you avoid becoming a victim of a gas pump skimmer:
- Use pump closest to storefront, in line of sight for store personnel
- Before pumping, check for unusual Bluetooth signals with ID of a string of numbers and letters; might be a skimmer
- Check that security tape on pump cabinet has not been damaged. Torn tape might indicate cabinet opened without store personnel’s knowledge
- The safest bet is to pay inside with cash
- Always save the receipt and monitor your bank statements after filling up.
- If you think you’ve been skimmed, contact 1-800-TELL-TDA
A video you will only find in Texas
This very Texas-style video was created by TDA Commissioner Sid Miller. One of the interesting tips he includes in the importance of always getting a receipt.
