Disturbing warning as info-stealing devices found at gas stations – easy Bluetooth test can show if your card is safe

SHOPPERS are being advised to use their mobile phones to spot credit card fraudsters after the devices were found at a gas station in Massachusetts.

A gas station in Brookline, located 20 minutes from Boston, recently discovered that fraudulent devices were being used to steal credit card information from several customers from January 16th to March 15th.

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Credit card skimmers are devices placed on pin pad machines that steal personal information using Bluetooth technology.

After users enter their card and PIN, the information is sent to an external recorder via Bluetooth.

Skimmers are similar to keyboards and vary in size, making it difficult to know if there are any on the card machine you are using.

If you are using a gas pump with a skimmer, there is no way to protect yourself once you insert the card.

Card skimmers are most commonly found at gas stations or ATMs, but can also be found at self-service machines or restaurants.

Because card skimmers can be difficult to spot with the naked eye, Brookline police are helping customers find an easier way to detect skimmers using the Bluetooth feature of their cell phones.

The police posted a video for Facebook explaining what a card skimmer is and how to detect it.

“In your settings, if you open Bluetooth and hold your phone close to the bomb, it should pick up the skimmer device with the code HC-05 or something similar,” Sergeant Rob said in the video.

The person in charge advises customers not to connect to the HC-05’s Bluetooth and instead report to the gas station.

Brookline police advise hiding the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent your transaction from being recorded. Apple or Google Pay is recommended instead of using a physical card.

In addition to checking via Bluetooth for credit card skimmers, try sticking to gas stations or ATMs you know.

SLIDING ON THE RISE

Card cloning is on the rise in the United States.

In 2023, the total number of compromised debit cards increased by 96% compared to 2022, according to I AM.

Compromised cards caused by ATMs increased by 90%.

Last week, two scammers were arrested outside Houston on charges related to credit card fraud.

The scamming duo not only placed a credit card skimmer internally in the credit card machines, but also inserted a camera into the card readers to record users’ transactions.

About 60% of skimming occurs at private ATMs, typically located in convenience stores or other private establishments, according to United Credit Union.

Most credit card companies also offer alerts about possible fraudulent activity happening on any account.

Signing up to receive these alerts will help prevent any future fraudulent activity.

As these crimes become more common across the country, it is important more than ever to remain vigilant when using your credit card.