Fraudsters have come up with a new way to rob people at gas stations: it can be detected by minor damage to the payment machine

The Aurora (Colorado) Police Department is warning the public about a new scam involving contactless payment processes at gas stations. What kind of scam is this and how to detect it, the publication said 9news.

Photo: IStock

Some gas stations are moving to a contactless payment system to reduce scams and identity theft, explained Aurora Police Sergeant Dan Courtenay.

However, scammers drill holes in the screens of contactless payment systems and damage the sensor.

On the subject: Fraudsters steal money from motorists at gas stations: the FBI told where not to buy gasoline

The holes force shoppers to swipe their card to pay. Thieves then install devices (skimmers) on these damaged devices and steal card information.

Courtenay says most customers don't even notice there's a hole in the screen.

“If the screen of the contactless payment system is damaged, the pump automatically returns to the card payment system,” said Courtenay. “You don’t even suspect that there is some kind of scam going on there.” It takes 12 seconds to open the fuel pump, install the skimming device, and you're done.”

Aurora police say if you notice a hole drilled in a contactless payment screen, report it to gas station employees. Pumps should be turned off and checked for skimmer.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

Aurora law enforcement officials said their economic crime unit could inspect the pumps if anyone believes they have been tampered with.

There have been no calls or reports of new scams coming from Boulder, Jefferson, Aurora or Arapahoe counties. Aurora police said the only place they know this happened is in California, but it's only a matter of time before the scam spreads to other areas.

Read also on ForumDaily:

This bacterium could change the world: scientists have high hopes for plastic-eating microorganisms

Deceive scammers: a man earned $1782 by defrauding scammers

Batteries, paint, phones: how to get rid of 'hazardous' waste in the USA

From finding housing to naturalization: USCIS has released a Russian-language guide for immigrants

Costco members can get online doctor consultations for just $29

You can check your credit score weekly for free: how to do it

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.