Beware of Your Credit Card Data at the Pump

According to a USA Today article, thieves are using hard to detect equipment to steal consumers credit card information. They then use the information to create duplicate cards to use at the cardholders expense. This type of theft was normally seen at ATM machines but has become so popular because it is a very inexpensive crime to perpetrate. Law enforcement, including the Secret Service is cracking down on this type of crime. Major investigations are occurring around the country and most notably in Nevada, where it has been reported that hundreds of victims suffered losses in their accounts between 1 and 3.5 million dollars. Greater security measures are needed to be put in place at gas stations to detect these illegal devices to prevent this type of identity theft. It is hard enough paying the high prices at the pump, never mind worrying about having your identity stolen to boot.