Weights and Measures: Inspection Sweep for Skimmers
Author: David Aguayo, Deputy Ag Commissioner/Sealer
Date:
11/30/2023 3:00:59 PM
On November 22, 2023, weights and measures inspectors completed a sweep at 29 service stations, with a total of 141 fuel pumps being inspected.
The Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures is tasked with overseeing the accuracy of commercial transactions based on weight, measure, count, and price accuracy through routine annual inspections and complaint investigations.
In conjunction with assessments to verify accuracy, weights and measures officials complete inspections on all retail motor fuel dispensers within the county to ensure credit card skimmers are not embedded within or installed on the pump as an overlay. Weights and measures inspectors conduct specialized inspections concentrating on credit card skimmers during busy times, such as peak travel seasons, when there is a higher risk for fraudulent activity.
In an ongoing effort to protect consumers, inspection staff completed credit card skimmer inspections at multiple service stations as part of a countywide sweep during the week of Thanksgiving. The department focused on retail motor fuel dispensers to minimize impact on consumers while at the pump. On November 22, 2023, weights and measures inspectors completed a sweep at 29 service stations, with a total of 141 fuel pumps being inspected. Officials did not detect any credit card skimmers during last week’s skimmer sweep. However, if a skimmer were to be detected, weights and measures inspectors would report findings to local law enforcement agencies for further investigation.
Martin Settevendemie, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures offers the following precautions to consumers to avoid credit card fraud: “pay cash for fuel purchases; consider running debit cards as credit which may offer greater protection if fraud occurs; use gas pumps closest to, or facing, service station buildings where station attendants are visible; watch for security stickers that appear broken or tampered with; report suspicious behavior to the station operator, such as the unlocking of gas pumps by someone not affiliated with the station. Also, consumers should always carefully review credit/debit card company statements for suspicious charges.”
From shelf to scanner, pump to vehicle, weights and measures inspectors make certain customers get what they pay for. If you have been overcharged or have a complaint about the accuracy or performance of a device, we would like to hear from you. Please contact a weights and measures inspector at (805) 781-5910.