In San Antonio, credit and debit card skimming took center stage at what was perhaps TFFA’s most professionally diverse group of participants in its 70 year history.
 

Public and private sector organizations included convenience retailers, fuel marketers, fueling technicians, technology firms, financial institutions, equipment manufacturers, credit card companies, federal and state law enforcement/public safety officials, state regulatory agencies, criminal prosecutors, investment firms, and hospitals.

1. The state of Texas is taking a firm stance against skimming with the introduction of identical bills in the House (HB 869) and Senate (SB 315) — legislation that strengthens criminal penalties by classifying credit and debit card skimming as a predicate offense.
2. According to U.S Secret Service, the bulk of skimming crimes in Texas are being carried out by Cuban- and Romanian-born Nationals who are using various illegal methods in numerous states to scam money from businesses and people.
3. Criminals who steal credit and debit card information will sell the information on the dark web, use the account to make purchases online, and create cloned credit cards which they often use to engage in fuel theft.
4. As a best practice, retailers who find skimming devices in fuel dispensers should preserve video footage as it can help criminal prosecutors identify and pursue thieves.

Skimming is a pervasive problem— one that will continue to exist for the foreseeable future.  Fortunately, there are numerous ways convenience retailers can protect their business and preserve the customer experience.  How? You’ll need to sign up for a future Skimming Prevention Seminar to find out!