Drivers warned not to pay at pump after petrol station scam

Skimming devices, often hidden in plain sight on card readers at unattended pumps, are being used to clone debit and credit card information – leaving victims unaware until it’s too late.

A fraud expert has issued a warning to drivers after a rise in petrol station scams, where criminals use card skimmers to steal card details and create copies of cards. 

Paul Hampson, CEO of fraud and scam recovery firm CEL Solicitors, warns that the contactless and chip-and-PIN fraud can take money out of your account but also any overdraft allowances on the card, leaving many in financial difficulty. 

“These scams are designed to be virtually undetectable,” he says. “Criminals install fake card slots or hidden chips that skim your details as soon as you insert your card. It’s fast, silent and can affect anyone who isn’t on high alert.”

Petrol stations are an ideal target because drivers are often distracted and in a rush – especially at night or in quieter locations.

“The most common tactic is to fit a false front to the card machine, or place a tiny device inside the slot,” Mr Hampson explains. “Some will even hide miniature cameras to record your PIN. These devices can be installed and removed in under a minute.”

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He advises all motorists to be extra cautious at unattended pumps, particularly those open 24/7.

Signs of tampering with card machines

• Loose or misaligned card slots
• Unusually bulky keypads
• Sticky residue or tape
• Parts that flex or move when touched

“If anything looks suspicious, don’t take the risk,” Mr Hampson says. “Go inside and pay at the counter instead.”

He also recommends covering the keypad when entering your PIN – even if nobody is nearby.

“Many victims feel embarrassed they were caught out, but these devices are sophisticated and hard to spot,” he says. “The fault lies with the fraudsters – not you.”

If you suspect you’ve been skimmed, report it to your bank immediately and check for suspicious activity.

“Act fast,” Mr Hampson says. “The sooner you flag it, the easier it is to freeze your card and limit the damage.”

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He’s now urging petrol retailers to check card machines more regularly and improve security – especially at unattended pumps.

“A quick check could save you hundreds,” he adds. “Drivers need to stay alert.”

Motoring experts at LeaseLoco.com have revealed five key tricks fraudsters are using – from tampered QR codes on parking meters to convincing fake DVLA messages – and are warning Brits to stay vigilant or risk losing their hard-earned cash.

Driving scams are increasing, experts warn

John Wilmot, CEO of car lease comparison website LeaseLoco, warns: “Unfortunately driving-related scams are really common and they work well for fraudsters because they can create a sense of urgency.

“A lot of these scams will urge you to quickly pay a fee to avoid facing bigger fines. When we see something like this we often rush to get the payment done rather than stopping and checking the legitimacy of the message or letter.

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“The good news is there are ways to spot these scams which can prevent you from losing any money. 

“For example, if you’ve been contacted via text message to pay a fine, be conscious of who it is from. Organisations like the DVLA will never ask for money or personal information on a text message.

“By taking a moment to verify the legitimacy of these alerts you could save yourself from losing out on potentially thousands of pounds.”