Protect Your Credit and Debit Information This Holiday Season

Stay Vigilant Against Credit Card Skimming This Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is urging consumers, drivers, and visitors to remain vigilant against potential credit card skimming. During this busy travel time, criminals often target unsuspecting motorists at fuel pumps, using hidden devices to steal credit and debit card information.

‘As Michiganders prepare to hit the road and visit loved ones this holiday season, MDARD is working diligently to ensure consumers are protected at the pump,’ said Director Tim Boring. ‘Our inspectors play a vital role in keeping motorists safe from fraud by thoroughly checking for skimming devices during routine inspections.’

Simple Steps to Protect Yourself

To safeguard your card information, MDARD recommends the following simple steps:

• Choose the pump nearest the cashier. Criminals are less likely to install skimmers near staff.
• Inspect the card reader for tampering. Look for loose or discolored panels.
• Always select ‘Credit’ when paying to avoid entering your PIN.
• Monitor your banking accounts while traveling to catch any fraudulent activity.

MDARD actively collaborates with federal and local law enforcement to investigate skimming devices. ‘Consumer protection goes beyond skimming investigations; we also ensure fuel quality and pump accuracy,’ added Craig VanBuren, Director of MDARD’s Laboratory and Consumer Protection Bureau.

Enhancing Fuel Pump Security

Motorists can take additional precautions by ensuring:

• The price display on the pump is set to zero before fueling.
• The sign on the road matches the price on the pump.
• They request a receipt for their purchase.

If you notice any issues like poor fuel quality or pump discrepancies, report them to the MDARD Motor Fuels Hot Line at 800-MDA-FUEL.

For more information on MDARD’s Weights and Measures Program, visit www.michigan.gov/wminfo.