Ways to Deter and Detect before Chip Technology is Installed
- Find out if your card readers can be encrypted
- Change the locks on dispensers
- Unique keys
- Heavier latches
- Control who has access to dispenser keys
- Talk to your service company Internal alarms if cabinet is opened
- Power down if cable to card reader is interrupted
- Shields installed to prevent access to boards
- Use tamper-evident security tape and place it effectively.
If you use security tape, customize it so that it is not easy for criminals to replace it with their own identical tape after they have installed a skimmer.
Security tape alone cannot actually stop criminals, but it will let them know you are looking for skimmers – and it will alert you if a dispenser has been opened.
Security Tape should be:
- Personalized
- Serialized
- Void if tampered with
- Placed strategically.
- Over opening to access boards (not on hinge side!)
- Over outside of scanner.
- Over key holes.
- Checked daily (or even every shift) Don’t have it be the same person every time.
- Keep a log.
- Consequences if checks are not done.
- Checked after contractors.
Install security cameras to capture activity on all dispensers.
Criminals may target remote dispensers because they are less visible to the cashier, but they may also risk installing skimmers on the heavily-used dispensers close to the building because they get a bigger payoff in less time. Often they work in pairs or groups. Some distract the cashier while their partners install the skimmers. Review security film regularly, especially after unusual encounters which took employees’ attention away from the pumps.
Consider using internal cameras Motion activated when dispensers are opened.
Notes and Other vulnerable devices
Document any discussion relating to credit cards Has anyone contacted the station about suspicious activity related to their credit or debit card? If so, get the caller’s complete contact information (name, address, phone number, type of credit card) and the details of the allegations.
Does the station have video? If anything is suspicious, the station should make a copy of any video it has concerning the matter and give the video to law enforcement.
Have employees noticed any suspicious people or activity?
ATM: Gas pumps are not the only devices at risk of credit card skimmers. Thieves can install external skimmers in seconds on the credit card readers of your ATM machine or even on the credit card reader at the counter.
Car wash: Credit card readers on car washes are vulnerable to both internal and external skimmers because the cabinets are easily opened. Use tamper tape to cover the card reader to detect an external skimmer. Also use tamper tape on the cabinet so you can see at a glance if it has been opened