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NORTH SALT LAKE -- Last week, police in Sandy sent out a warning to Utah drivers after they discovered thieves had been ripping people off at a couple of gas pumps. Monday, one gas company showed us how it protects its pumps and customers from "skimming."
When Sandy police pulled skimming devices from two separate 7-Eleven stations, they called the crime widespread. Maverik showed KSL the problem, and it's solution.
Here's the problem: Two gas pump manufacturers supply most pumps nationwide and issue universal keys for those pumps. Criminals can break into many pumps with one copied universal key.
Once they break into the pump, criminals install a false keypad that records, or "skims," your card information. The crooks then remotely access that data with Bluetooth technology and start withdrawing money from your account.
"These two keys, right here, can open virtually any pump in the nation, with the exception of ours," said Maverick spokesman Brad Call. "What we've done is gone in on every pump and re-keyed it so it requires a unique key in order to access this pump."
Each Maverick store has a unique key. The company made the change after learning about the potential problem a year ago. Other gas companies have contacted Maverick about the solution.
"It would be very effective for most to go and re-key and create their own keying system for their pumps," Call said.
Maverick also uses high-tech, motion-activated surveillance cameras; and workers visually inspect the pumps each day. Maverick said it has developed a multi-layered security system to protect the credit information of its customers.
The chief deputy attorney general for Utah says skimming is not new. Kirk Torgensen said it started a few years ago with ATMs and may be growing as a more prevalent crime. The best way to protect yourself, he said, is to remain vigilant with checking your credit reports.
"If there's something amiss, jump on it immediately," Torgensen said.
Keep an eye on your credit card and bank statements. Use a credit card, instead of a debit card. Your credit card company can shut down fraud more quickly and will cover losses more readily than your bank. Also, freeze your credit.
"Not being a victim of identity theft is constant perseverance," Torgensen said. "It's constantly doing the things we tell people to do, and that is looking at their credit history."
E-mail: jboal@ksl.com
