Fuels

The Maverik Method

Retailer talks skimming prevention after 180 stations of various brands hit
NORTH SALT LAKE, Utah -- Police in Sandy, Utah, sent out a warning last week to Utah drivers after they discovered thieves had been ripping people off at the pumps. Utah police investigators said criminals installed electronic "skimming" devices at 180 gas stations in the state from Salt Lake to Provo, said ABC News. They used the stolen card data to steal more than $11,000 using ATMs in Los Angeles. In a separate report. retailer Maverik Inc. showed KSL-TV how it protects its pumps and customers from skimming.

According to the report, criminals can break into many [image-nocss] dispensers with one copied universal key. Once they break into the pump, they install a false keypad that records, or "skims," card information. The crooks then remotely access that data with Bluetooth technology and start withdrawing money from an account.

"These two keys, right here, can open virtually any pump in the nation, with the exception of ours," Maverick spokesperson Brad Call told the news outlet. "What we've done is gone in on every pump and re-keyed it so it requires a unique key in order to access this pump."

Each Maverick store has a unique key, he said. The company made the change after learning about the potential problem a year ago. Other companies have contacted Maverick about the solution, the report said.

"It would be very effective for most to go and re-key and create their own keying system for their pumps," Call told KSL-TV.

Maverick also uses high-tech, motion-activated surveillance cameras, said the report, and workers visually inspect the pumps each day. Maverick said it has developed a multi-layered security system to protect the credit information of its customers.

Investigators do not know how many card numbers the criminals stole, but they told ABC that they believe they installed the skimming devices at stations along the Wasatch front during the past four months.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Foodservice

Opportunities Abound With Limited-Time Offers

For success, complement existing menu offerings, consider product availability and trends, and more, experts say

Snacks & Candy

How Convenience Stores Can Improve Meat Snack, Jerky Sales

Innovation, creative retailers help spark growth in the snack segment

Technology/Services

C-Stores Headed in the Right Direction With Rewards Programs

Convenience operators are working to catch up to the success of loyalty programs in other industries

Trending

More from our partners