Credit card skimmer found at Kennewick gas station

Kennewick police are warning people who stopped at a Columbia Drive gas station to keep an eye on their bank account after a theft device was found Wednesday at the business.

A card skimmer was found inside the pump’s payment processing unit at the station on the corner of Columbia Drive and Gum Street, police said.

“If you have used your card at this location recently, please check with your banks to confirm your card hasn’t been compromised,” Kennewick police said.

Police said it does not appear this skimmer is connected to a series of thefts that happened last month in the Tri-Cities which police believe were tied to skimming devices. More than 200 people had money stolen in those cases.

In this latest case, police said the skimmer was inside the pump, not placed over the card reader. It was discovered when the key pad was malfunctioning, police said.

The devices fit onto card readers or into machines at places like gas stations and captures the information from the magnetic strip as it is slid into the card reader. Many of them have cameras that film the person entering their PIN.

The device was removed from the pump, and police believe it was there for a short period of time.

Skimmers can be anywhere, but people can do a few things to protect themselves. People should select credit when using their card, and they should check to see if there is damage or any other indication the card reader has been compromised, such as it being loose. Customers should also check to see if the security tape is intact.

Anyone with information about the skimmer can call 509-628-0333.

Tips to avoid card skimming

According to an article on Forbes.com, even cards with an EMV-chip can be victimized when you swipe the magnetic stripe, though many ATM machines in the U.S. now read the chip, making skimming less rampant. The article offered these tips for reducing the chances your card gets skimmed:

▪ Pull on the card reader first: Scammers create devices designed to look like the actual machine. Before inserting your card, look for anything that seems out of the ordinary, such as tape, glue marks or machine scratches, and pull on the card reader to see if it seems loose. A valid card reader should be well secured and not look like it has had any repairs made.

▪ Examine the keypad: Scammers sometimes place a duplicate keyboard over the original in an attempt to get your PIN information. If you are typing on the keypad, and it feels like the keys are spongy or about to fall off, there’s a chance a scammer is recording your keystrokes via a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signal. If you doubt the integrity of the keyboard, stop using it immediately. You also can use your phone to check for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signals in the area.

▪ Look for cracks in the receipt slot: Card thieves also have been known for placing a scanner in a receipt slot of ATMs. The machine may still function as normal, but the scanner is recording every detail of your transaction. If the ATM is cracked or looks like it’s been tampered with, there’s a chance it has.

▪ Look for things that are out of place: Thieves don’t need to break into the machine to steal your PIN number, and wireless cameras are so small, they can be hidden almost anywhere near a machine. Look above the screen and to the side of the screen or touch pad for any unusual boxes that could be in view of the keypad. Small holes near or on the machine also could be a place were cameras are hidden.

▪ Watch for strangers: Although technology has made this scam virtually obsolete, an old throwback could be using somebody standing nearby to take and record your information. Make sure you have enough privacy to conduct your business.

▪ High-traffic machines are best: Scams are more likely to take place at machines that see little traffic or aren’t under constant supervision. Chose your transaction locations carefully.

An nbclosangeles.com story offered these additional tips to avoid skimmers at gas stations:

▪ Avoid pumps at the end: They’re often too far away from the attendant to have a clear view of the pump.

▪ Don’t use your debit card: If a skimmer gets your PIN number, your bank account could be exposed.

▪ Look around: Assume a pump or card reader that looks like it has been tampered with probably has. Move on to another pump or station.

▪ Always print a receipt: You need one to file a claim with the gas station’s insurance company in case you pump bad fuel or if your card information gets skimmed. If you notice suspicious charges on your account, contact your financial institution immediately.

This story was originally published March 7, 2019 at 11:06 AM.