<center>https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/08/15/22/20/fuel-1596622_960_720.jpg</center>
Scammers at gas stations have been [using a new tactic to try and steal from others](https://www.wafb.com/2019/12/21/visa-warns-bluetooth-based-card-skimming-gas-stations/) and it involves engaging in *Bluetooth-based card skimming attacks*. 

Visa had issued a warning not long ago, insisting that scammers were <b>targeting the back end of gas station's POS systems</b> in a new way, and were doing this by using largely undetectable technology. 

The Better Business Bureau has suggested a variety of tips might help in protecting individuals from being targeted in this manner which include:
- keeping a close eye on their accounts
- being nervous about cards getting stuck in any chip readers (this might be an indication that something is wrong and the transaction should be cancelled)
- only use a bank card that has a chip whenever making a transaction. 

Another option is to download a scanning app that can detect *Bluetooth based credit card skimmers* that might be located at the pump. One of those options would be Skim Plus, Skimmer Pro, and others.

<center>https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/11/16/12/17/petrol-2954372_960_720.jpg</center>

It used to be that you needed to lookout for physical tampering with the device, but now scammers can use Bluetooth technology to get the job done. Visa has warned that gas stations are becoming increasingly popular locations for victimization of this sort of attack, with credit card [data being stolen](https://www.forbes.com/sites/leemathews/2019/12/16/visa-warning-hackers-ramp-up-card-stealing-attacks-at-gas-stations/#9a7953a53883). 

Aside from keeping an eye on accounts or using a chip only card, another suggestion would be to simply pay for the gas transaction with cash, but most people don't carry much cash on them these days. 

Visa has [suggested that it is the older cards that are at risk](https://whnt.com/2019/12/22/visa-warns-of-new-sophisticated-scammer-tactic-to-steal-your-card-information-at-gas-stations/), those with only a magnetic stripe on the back. 

<center>https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/10/10/22/37/credit-card-1730085_960_720.jpg</center>

There are many merchants still out there today who don't have updated card readers for their places of business, but Visa is requiring that all US fuel merchants be outfitted with card readers that can accept cards that have chips attached, by Oct of next year. 

Those with the chip are allegedly at a [lower risk of attack](https://whnt.com/2019/12/22/visa-warns-of-new-sophisticated-scammer-tactic-to-steal-your-card-information-at-gas-stations/). 

For those that don't have the technology to handle those upgraded debit and credit cards by fall of next year, they will allegedly then be liable for <b>any fraudulent purchases that get [made through their POS systems](https://www.wafb.com/2019/12/21/visa-warns-bluetooth-based-card-skimming-gas-stations/)</b>.



Pics:
pixabay

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