Weights and Measures Inspectors from the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures routinely inspect gaspumps countywide for accuracy. Additionally, inspectors examine all components of the pump to ensure no card skimming devices have been installed, either inside or outside of the pump.
 

Card skimmers are placed on the outside of gas pumps or embedded inside gas pumps where they are commonly spliced into the credit card reader, allowing credit/debit card numbers and PIN numbers to be recorded during routine fueling. The information is then retrieved later or automatically sent to an offsite receiver. Inspectors must work closely with gas station operators to open and inspect the pumps to visually detect the devices. If a skimmer is discovered the inspector notifies local law enforcement and the device is removed for a follow up investigation.

Martin Settevendemie, Agricultural Commissioner and 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. Consumers should always carefully review credit/debit card company statements for suspicious charges.”

For more information about the County’s Weights and Measures Program, visit the website at http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Agriculture-Weights-and-Measures.aspx