Each day, thousands of consumers use their bank card to pay for their purchases. Often without suspecting the risk incurred. Among the most sneaky scams is A technique called “shimming“an ingenious process that allows fraudsters to furtively capture data from your bank card during a pump payment. This scam is particularly dangerous because it remains invisible for users and can cause important financial losses. This type of attack targets Electronic payment terminals. Using a sophisticated device to intercept the information between the card and the machine. More recently, it is a Fuel pump scam who was born. Based on this well -established ploy.
In France, the police recently made a major progress by dismantling a network using this process In a petrol station located in Vitry-sur-Seine, in Val-de-Marne according to Capital. “A combination experienced in perfection“Explains a police source. Indeed, malicious individuals have installed A device called “shimmer“ directly in the payment terminal. Allowing them to recover Motorist bank cards data. These data then served to make fraudulent withdrawals abroad, especially in Spain. Four suspectsaged 43 to 56, were arrested and indicted. Their homes successfully searched, revealing shimming equipment And almost 9,000 euros in cash.
The pump scam, a expanding fraud
The Shimming phenomenon is increasingly worried by the French authorities. Because It is not limited to a single place. According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, it is possible that other service stations and automatic tickets of tickets in the country are also targeted by these fraudulent devices. The fraud brigade with means of payment (BFMP) was alerted by the economic interest grouping card following the Detection of suspicious activities On the terminals of a service station, which made it possible to uncover this network.
The cost of this type of scam is already considerable. In 2023, Shimming represented A prejudice estimated at 36,000 euros in Franceaccording to the annual report of the observatory for the security of means of payment. This sum should further increase with the multiplication of detected cases. The main challenge remains however toIdentify all the victims And to precisely assess the extent of losses, because fraudsters often operate at a distance and abroad, making the surveys complex.
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How to protect yourself from Shimming?
Faced with this threat, users must remain vigilant. If shimming is distinguished from skimming by using a smaller and more difficult digital device. Some simple gestures can Limit risks. For example, Regularly check the bank statements To detect any unusual operation. Favor contactless payments When possible, and immediately report any anomaly to his bank.
Moreover, Service stations managers and banks strengthen terminal safety by installing anti-fraud devices And by sensitizing traders. “”A combination experienced in perfection“But who could be foiled thanks to collective vigilance. The fight against Shimming remains a priority for the authorities, in order to prevent this type of furtive theft from becoming a systematic threat to consumers.
