With people desperate for cash these days, identity theft is a growing concern. I had it happen to me just last week.

According to the article:
High-tech crooks have begun stealing account numbers and PINs from drivers who pay at automated gas pumps. It’s part of a national crime trend that probably originated on the West Coast this year and recently appeared locally.

Thieves have long used devices called “skimmers” to copy information from the magnetic strips of debit and credit cards. They can look like an extension of the legitimate card reader slot and often don’t stand up to close scrutiny.

But new matchbox-size versions of the gadgets fit onto gas pump card readers without being noticeable and copy the numbers without compromising the transaction. New skimmers sometimes even contain tiny cameras that record drivers entering personal identification numbers.

I don’t really use my cash card much except to get money and an occasional gas fill up. Luckily I caught it early and was able to get my card canceled. It’s good to take precautions, especially as crooks are finding new and creative ways of getting your information. Also, in times like these you really don’t want people messing with your money.

People do get smart when their desperate.