India has made huge strides in digital payments over the past decade, but with convenience comes risk. A new type of card fraud is emerging at petrol pumps — and it can drain your bank account in seconds.
Cybercriminals are now installing skimming devices on card readers. One recent case exposed a method where users are tricked into re-entering their PIN multiple times, while the system secretly captures their data.
A social media user recently shared a shocking experience:
While refueling during a road trip, he swiped his card at a petrol pump machine and entered the correct PIN. The machine showed “transaction failed”. He tried again — same result. On the third attempt, the payment finally went through.
Weeks later, he discovered that over ₹1 lakh had been stolen from his account during a late-night transaction. Investigation revealed that his card had been cloned using a skimming device installed at the pump.
Before inserting your card, check the POS machine closely.
Look for any loose or unusual attachments.
If something seems off, ask the staff or avoid using that machine.
Opt for NFC-enabled Tap-to-Pay cards or mobile wallets instead of swiping your card.
These don’t require inserting the card, reducing the chance of skimming.
Enable transaction alerts from your bank.
This helps you detect any unauthorized activity immediately.
Review your card statements weekly or monthly.
If you see any unknown transactions, report them to your bank immediately and request to block your card.
Always ensure the transaction is done in your presence.
Don’t allow fuel station staff to take the POS machine away. Ask them to bring it to you or change your payment method.
With cyber scams becoming more sophisticated, it’s crucial to stay alert — especially in public places like petrol stations, hotels, or toll plazas.
A quick visual check, smart payment habits, and timely monitoring can save you from a major financial hit.
✅ Pro Tip: Stick to UPI, QR payments, or Tap-to-Pay cards at fuel stations — they’re faster, safer, and leave less room for fraud.
