Gas stations with pay-at-the-pump options are super convenient. But as one QuikTrip customer recently found out, that convenience can sometimes come with a hidden cost.
In a TikTok video posted by Hamm (@catt_datty), which has now racked up over 5.8 million views, a customer is seen pumping gas at a QuikTrip. Midway through, he pulls off a device covering the card reader at the pump. The device? A skimmer—a tool used by thieves to steal credit card numbers.
The video is short but chilling. A hand reaches out and yanks the skimmer off the reader. You hear a man’s voice, sounding frustrated, say, “Look at this sh*t,” followed by another expletive. The caption is simple but effective: “Skimmer at a QT.”
What Are Skimmers and How Do They Work?
A skimmer is a small device that criminals attach to card readers at places like gas stations and ATMs. According to a Forbes article, skimmers capture credit card information when you swipe or insert your card, allowing thieves to make fraudulent purchases later.
Skimmers are often found in places where people are in a rush, like gas stations or ATMs. However, they can also show up in retail stores.
The Weirdest Items Make the Biggest Profits—Here’s How One Reseller Is Cashing In!
How to Spot a Skimmer?
It’s a good idea to do a quick check before using a card reader, especially at a gas pump or ATM. Look for anything that seems misaligned or off. A great tip is to compare the card reader to one at a nearby pump. If it looks different, don’t use it.
Gas pumps often have security stickers or tape over the cabinet panels. If that tape is ripped or tampered with, it could mean someone has messed with the machine. You can also try to peek inside the card reader to see if there’s anything unusual, like a thin plastic circuit board.
Half Your Savings Gone? One Woman’s Scary TikTok Shop Experience!
What People Are Saying?
After the video went viral, viewers chimed in with their own safety tips. “I always pull on the card reader to make sure it’s not fake,” one person commented.
Another said, “I use tap and pay. I never use my card directly because you never know.” A third user added, “Just tap your phone to avoid the card reader entirely.”
Can $20 Feed a Family for 5 Nights? TikToker Shares Her H-E-B Dinner Pack Experience!
Is Tap-and-Pay the Solution?
While some suggested tap-and-pay isn’t foolproof, others shared it’s still a safer option. One viewer mentioned using RFID protection when paying by tap, fearing scanners could steal their info.
However, an article from Waukesha State Bank eased some of these concerns. It stated that the chances of fraud during a tap-and-pay transaction are minimal.
RFID-blocking wallets may sound like a good idea, but according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, they’re unnecessary and often expensive. You’re more likely to experience fraud through data breaches or online theft.
Think Twice Before Buying Candy: Popular Candy Products Recalled for Safety Concerns!
Stay Safe at the Pump
As this incident shows, a little caution can go a long way when using pay-at-the-pump features. Whether you’re pulling on the card reader, using tap-to-pay, or paying inside with cash, it’s always smart to stay alert. You never know what surprises could be lurking at your next stop for gas.