A new cellphone app is aiming to help people safeguard their credit cards from skimmers at the gas pump.
Since September, more than 100,000 people have downloaded Skimmer Scanner, which is designed to alert users to the presence of skimming devices set up to steal credit card information from unsuspecting victims.
A quick scan of the area before fueling up will identify telltale bluetooth signals from the most commonly used skimming devices, which allow criminals to capture credit card information and transfer it for their own use.
In February, two men were caught attaching such a device to a gas pump on Highway 153 in Hixson after an officer spotted one of them with his hand inside the pump’s computer access panel.
The men – 36-year-old Rafael De Los Rios and 34-year-old Yoandy Cendeo Peno – were detained after a short car chase and found to be in possession of a small key used to open the access panel. The arrests came less than two weeks after skimming devices were found at two other local gas stations.
Authorities caution consumers to always be on the lookout for anything suspicious on gas pumps and to make sure the security label is undamaged, but even the most vigilant can become victims of credit card theft. The creators of Skimmer Scanner hope the free app will add another level of protection.
“This app uses your phone’s Bluetooth radio to detect a common radio component in modern fuel pump skimmers (HC-05) and warn you if you’re about to get scammed,” the description reads online. “If you happen to detect a device, please don’t attempt to remove it yourself and let the station attendant know.”
The app, developed by Colorado-based SparkX, is only available for download on Google Play for Android users, but dozens of customers have reviewed it favorably and some said they’ve had some success with it.
“Had my credit card info stolen. Used the app at gas station where I suspected this had occured [sic] and got a positive hit. Called the Sheriff and they found and removed a skimmer from one of the pumps!” an anonymous user wrote.
Another user, Jim Corcoran, stated, “Downloaded this after my card was skimmed. Went to the places I had used my card and found 3 skimmers at the gas station I use frequently the police removed them.”
Rob Simmons, spokesman for the Chattanooga Police Department, said he couldn’t comment on the efficacy of the app, but encouraged anyone looking to guard against skimmers to make sure they download such apps from trustworthy providers.
“We suggest that with any technology used, make sure it comes from a reliable source [such as the Google Play store] and be sure to supplement the technology with the following tips for ATMs and Gas Station Readers: Inspect the card reader and the area surrounding it. Tug on it to be sure it is solid. Look around at other gas pumps to make sure all the readers match.”
He also said consumers should use the credit option to avoid entering a pin number and constantly keep an eye on their bank accounts for unsuspected transactions.
“Trust your instincts. If things look off, your mind is telling you something may be wrong.”
Contact staff writer Emmett Gienapp at egienapp@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6731. Follow him on Twitter @emmettgienapp.