Fueling the car is routine for any driver: fill the deposit, pay and travel. But a usual gesture, such as raising money directly on the gas pump, can hide serious risks for those who are not aware.
On the surface, it is only convenience. The terminals are there to save time for those who do not want to enter the store. But, according to Leak, a site that specializes in Tlifestyle, these equipment is often the target of burns that find fuel stations a more vulnerable terrain than in bank branches or shopping centers.
Because the pumps are more fragile
The main difference is in the exhibition. Many of these machines are outdoors, with less surveillance and located in rapid passage zones.
At night, the risk increases: fewer customers, fewer employees present and more time to discreetly manipulate the terminals. This context creates ideal conditions for the installation of clandestine cloning devices.
What is a skimmer
The so -called skimmers are small devices placed on the card grooves or on the keyboard. Its function is to copy card data and often register the PIN code.
Devices can be almost imperceptible, which makes them especially dangerous in places where drivers tend to act in a hurry.
Cases in Portugal
In recent years, investigations related to fuel terminals have emerged in national terminal terminals. The victims only realized the problem days later, when they detect anomalous movements in their accounts.
According to the same source, in several cases the money was raised abroad a few hours after payment at the pump.
The same is true, as copied data circulate rapidly in organized crime networks, which take advantage of the interval between theft and detection to empty accounts.
How to minimize risks
Even with this scenario, there are simple ways to reduce risk. Raising money inside the store is safer because the terminals are always under surveillance.
Before using the machine, it is worth observing the equipment well: pulling the card slot slightly or keyboard can reveal something out of the normal.
Cover the PIN by hand, opt for lower limits and activate bank alerts also helps to detect any suspicious movement on time.
ATM IN BANKS
Terminals installed in bank branches are considered safer due to surveillance chambers and regular inspections. Already the bombs, albeit practical, are more exposed and with less control.
According to, convenience has a price that each driver should consider. Most transactions take place without incidents, but a single tampered terminal is enough to turn a trivial routine into a sophisticated affair case.
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