It’s best to look out for simple signs of tampering, which doesn’t involve showing up to gas pumps with a magnifying glass. Don’t just look with your eyes, feel with your hands. Take a quick glance at the other payment terminals at the gas pumps for inconsistencies, as explained by the FTC. If the one you’re standing at looks strikingly different in any way (extra attachments on the card slot, loose features, wires showing, and gaps between parts), chances are it has a skimmer. But don’t be too hard on yourself for unluckily picking the bad pump — the safe ones tend to be closest to the building.
If an overt attachment isn’t there, look for signs that someone broke into the terminal. This could take the form of the little lockable door on the pump not being closed, or a breakage in the tamper-resistant seal some gas stations place on. Gas station payment terminals are manufactured to remain sturdy in all weather conditions, so anything rickety or out of alignment can be a sign of a thief’s retrofitted device.
As is obvious, it’s better to avoid using any pump where these features seem off, and where you notice extra parts that may be fake card readers or a camera. Notify the attendant if you see anything before using the terminal, and notify your bank or credit card company immediately if you don’t notice until after.
