How is stealing credit card information considered ID Theft?

@akede2001: I guess I am missing the words "ID theft" in that article.

@akede2001: Ahh, I see its under that category, which makes sense to me.....

@akede2001: It isn't; but it's to the media's best interests to keep everyone in a constant state of fear.

"which only accepts cash or debit cards". Does this mean there are stations out there that will accept sexual favors for gas? Perhaps bartering some old wares or even skilled trades?

The thieves should have started doing this before gas was $4/gallon. They could have gotten more money from more people that way.

I understand the concept of a skimmer.... but how would it get the PIN numbers?

@badgeman46: it means that I gas up at places that take my AmEx since Arco doesn't take credit cards.

In this day and age, you're nuts if you use a debit card anywhere other than an ATM. It's sad but true. I no longer have anything other than an ATM card -- I'm not going to walk around being out money while I wait for an "investigation" to complete.

@AD8BC: Usually this involves placing a camera aimed at the keypad. Since pinhole cameras are relatively cheap, they can be hidden in clever spots.

@badgeman46: I think you mean "small". But yes.

This was on KTVU a week ago and now you're just reporting it? Jeez, you're slow.

The pictures of the skimmer is here [www.mercurynews.com]

The keypad is here: [www.mercurynews.com]

It looks like the skimmer was placed over the card slot and the keypad had to be butted up against it because of the ribbon wire connector. The keypad, to me, would have been an obvious tip off because it is not flush to the surface and the buttons appear to be non standard (both in labeling and type)

@Buran: I agree. My bank (5/3) doesn't even ALLOW you to used your check card as a debit and hasn't for years. It's actually a pretty good idea.

I love the mugshots of the guys that mounted the skimmers. Especially the guy that didn't even bother to wear a hat or sunglasses.

er, I lied about the hat. But even still... it's a great full-face shot.

@badgeman46: Arco is notable for only accepting debit/credit cards for debit transactions; Arco claims this is because the credit card processing fees would lead them to raise pump prices.

@CaliforniaCajun: BUT Arco still charges you a 45 cent fee every time you use your debit card... They don't accept credit because Visa requires them to not charge a fee for use. Sneaky, huh!

@Triterion: Yeah, so I just go the Shell down the street where gas is four cents more per gallon. I come out even price-wise, can use my debit/credit card, end up with better gas, and a much cleaner, easy-to-use station.

@Buran: Agreed. Problem is, Arco doesn't accept anything but cash or debit. To add insult to that, they hit you with a 45¢ fee for using the debit card. I avoid them whenever possible, but sometimes you just kind too have little to no choice in the matter.

This has been going on for over a year. It happened to me twice in 6 months, using my BofA check card.

ARCO can be worth it. The 76 last night on one corner was $4.169 per gallon, and the ARCO on the opposite corner was $3.999 per gallon. 17 cents * 17 gallons is $2.89 less .45 is still $2.44.

@geoffhazel: Around here (Portland, OR), the Arco stations are among the cheapest in town. The one up the street from my house can get pretty packed during rush hour.

I get 5% cash back from my credit card company on gas. And since Arco is never 5% cheaper then other stations around me. I have no reason to fuel up at Arco.