As the planet swiftly transitions toward electronic funds transfer and economies of scale that have gone nearly cashless, we really need to be aware of the humungous risks the use of technology can pose, especially in environments where fuel station owners like you really have no choice but to accept credit cards as the primary mode of payment for gasoline and related automotive services.
Identity theft, fraud and white-collar crimes have indeed become the order of the day. According to the Annual Data Book of 2020 published by the US Federal Trade Commission, credit card fraud constituted a total of 459,297 reported cases of criminal misuse in the United States in 2019-2020, the highest in any country. As a wholesale gasoline distributor in Georgia, we are well aware of the problem as well as the risks involved.
So how do you protect yourself from criminal elements as a gasoline station entrepreneur?
Liability
With rare exceptions, you are not liable for such crimes and the losses it generates thanks to the numerous consumer protection statutes and banking regulations currently in place in the United States. However, customers falling victim to credit card crime at the one or more fuel stations you own is bound to negatively impact your brand image not to mention your bottom line and reputation thus possibly leading to loss of sales.
Credit Card Skimmers
Take measures to eliminate the possibility of credit card skimming at your service station location. Credit card skimming is the simplest form of credit card crime. Install tamper-proof seals on your doors. When inspecting your gasoline pumps, look for anything that wiggles out as you inspect. Ensure that all your card machines look identical. If one of them does not, it is probably one that has been planted by criminals. You should also make sure that there are no hidden cameras in the area to take pictures of credit cards belonging to your customers.
Educate your customers
Ask your neighborhood high school’s Arts Club members to design a really nice poster warning customers about credit card misuse and identity theft. Return the favor with free gasoline. Additionally, warn your customers against using credit cards with RFID chips. These are easier to replicate and misuse. Criminals merely have to scan the unsuspecting victim’s credit card to hijack the information required to misuse credit cards belonging to your customers. Advise all RFID card-holders who visit your service station to wrap their credit cards in aluminum foil when not in use. This hides the RFID chip and conceals valuable financial data.
As a leading wholesale gasoline distributor in Georgia, we are not only well aware of the challenge you face but can also recommend potent solutions. Have you personally experienced credit card crime at your fuel station? Share your experience in the comments section below and help your fraternity to iron clad themselves against crime and criminals.
