# Avoiding Card Skimmers: How Costco's Security Measures Can Help You Stay Safe While Filling Up

As a tech enthusiast, you're likely no stranger to the threat of card skimming and its devastating consequences. A recent incident involving a compromised Costco gas pump highlighted the importance of being vigilant when pumping gas. While you may never find a card skimmer at a Costco station, understanding the security measures in place can help you avoid falling victim to these scams.

Costco's membership model is not just about saving money on everyday items; it also comes with some unexpected benefits. The company's employees, who provide around-the-clock service, play a crucial role in preventing card skimming. With attendants constantly monitoring the pumps and CCTV cameras installed for added security, scammers are less likely to target these terminals. Additionally, many Costco stations employ tamper-proof seals on their pumps, making it almost impossible to install a skimmer.

However, no security measure is foolproof. In 2023, Protergo Cybersecurity revealed that someone managed to install a card skimmer onto a Costco gas pump, compromising the information of numerous customers. Skimmers work by scanning your card's magnetic strip and logging your PIN number using a keypad, much like a keylogger virus records keystrokes on a computer. The data is then sent to the scammer's owner, allowing them to use your credit or debit cards, if not your bank account.

The FBI estimates that skimmers cause over $1 billion in damages every year, with the most insidious aspect being their difficulty to spot. Skimmer scammers install scanners inside or over card readers, often using pinhole cameras or secure overlays on top of them. In some cases, devices are installed internally. Unless you're extremely lucky or a Costco member, many people never realize a terminal contains a skimmer until it's too late.

When Costco staff discovered a skimmer device during a routine inspection of its PIN pads, the company took swift action, informing all affected customers and offering them a year's worth of free credit monitoring, ID theft recovery services, and a $1 million insurance reimbursement policy. While this incident highlights the importance of vigilance, it also underscores the need for awareness.

Fortunately, you can still avoid becoming a skimmer scam victim by following simple steps when pumping gas outside of a Costco station. Always choose a pump as close to the store and/or attendant as possible, as these devices are more likely to be monitored. If available, pay inside, as cash registers cannot be compromised with skimmers. Be cautious of damaged or loose parts on terminals, and look out for unusual colors or shapes on the keypad. If you suspect an ATM has been compromised, employ strategies like testing the keypad's edges or obscuring it when entering your PIN number.

Protergo Cybersecurity recommends using tap-to-pay technology, as these methods are harder to hack. If you're unsure about an ATM's security, look for telltale signs like damaged machines or loose parts, and pay close attention to the keypad. Finally, use the "wiggle-jiggle method" to test the card reader: if it feels loose, you've likely found a skimmer.

By understanding Costco's security measures and taking simple precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to card skimming scams. Stay vigilant, and remember that awareness is key to protecting yourself from these insidious threats.