Warning issued on credit card skimmers

Whenfilling up your vehicle’s gas tank at the pump, make sure you’re not leaving behind valuable information, such as credit and debt card details.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regularly inspects gas stations and analyzes samples of petroleum products to ensure consumers are being offered quality products at a fair measure. Additionally, the department has found and removed almost 300 credit card skimmers from gas pumps so far this year.

That’s why Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam is providing tips to help consumers avoid becoming victims. • Pay cash inside. • Check gas pump dispenser cabinet. It should be closed, not tampered with.

• Use gas pump closest to front of store. Thieves often place skimmers at the gas pumps away from the store.

• Use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards have better fraud protection, and the money is not deducted immediately from an account.

• If using a debit card at the pump, choose to run as a credit card. That way, thePINnumberis not used.

• Monitor bank accounts to spot unauthorized charges.

If you suspect your credit/debit card has been compromised, report immediately to authorities and the credit card company

Engage with authorities if something does notseem right.

If you suspect that a gas pump has been tampered with, contact the gas station manager, local lawenforcement or the department's consumer protection.

Call the information hotline at 800-435-7352; Spanish speakers 800-352-9832. For more information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

ckent@sunsentinel.com, 954-356-4662 or Twitter @mindingyourbiz