Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center 218 E. Elm Street Tyler, Texas 75702 www.fcic.texas.gov

July 3, 2025

FCIC warns Texans not to fall for social posts claiming scam stickers compromise tap-to-pay portals. Reiterates tap-to-pay remains the safest way to pay at the gas pump and elsewhere.

AUSTIN – You may have seen pictures or videos on social media posts of people peeling off tap-to-pay decals placed over tap-to-pay portals on gas pumps. The posts claim the stickers, presumably placed by criminals, will steal your credit/debit card data. 

Based on conversations with retail fuel industry partners, the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) says Texans should not be concerned. 

“While we all need to stay vigilant as criminals become more savvy, there are no legitimate instances reported where ‘tap-to-pay stickers’ have been used to steal data,” said Jeff Roberts, FCIC Intelligence Operations Captain. “The decals shown in social media posts appear to be standard industry stickers used to replace worn or hard to see tap-to-pay terminals. If you notice any stickers or devices that seem to interfere with tap-topay transactions, report them to the gas station immediately and avoid swiping your card for payment.”

With the continued surge of credit/debit card skimmers that allow criminals to gather data from the magnetic strip when a card is swiped, the tap-to-pay option at fuel pumps, especially when using a payment app, remains the safest method.  

Click here for tips on how to spot a card skimmer.  

If you suspect tampering at a fuel pump, report it to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).  

About the Texas FCIC 

The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center, located in Tyler, Texas, is staffed by law enforcement officers and intelligence analysts with extensive experience investigating organized financial crimes, including credit card skimming and shimming that attack fuel dispensers, ATMs, and point of sale terminals, as well as many other types of financial crimes. The Smith County District Attorney’s office runs day-to-day operations at the FCIC, while the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation reimburses Smith County for operating expenses related to the Center. Visit the FCIC’s website for more information and resources.