Make sure you use extra caution next time you go pump gas.

The Duluth Police Department, along with the Federal Trade Commission, is reminding residents about the presence of skimmers. Skimmers are usually found at gas stations.

Skimmers are card readers attached to payment terminals that steal the data off your method of payment using the magnetic strip on the back. Hackers then send this data to others or use your information to make purchases.

This type of theft is not new but because technology is getting better, it's becoming easier for criminals to skim your information. This is why residents are being warned yet again.

There are a few things you can do to avoid skimmers, according to the FTC. Here are a few of their tips:

  • Check to make sure your payment portal looks like the portals at the rest of the pumps.
  • Use a credit card at the pump or run your debit card as credit so that criminals don't have your PIN.
  • Check your bank account regularly.
  • Pay inside instead of at the pump.

Report any unsuspecting charges on your account to the bank immediately.

Sadly, you can never be too careful these days. There is ALWAYS a scam going on.

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