A viral video making rounds on social media has raised serious alarms about a rising cyber fraud trend at petrol pumps across India. The video, which has garnered over 7 million views, shows a man warning people to avoid using credit cards at fuel stations. He shares a recent incident where more than ₹1 lakh was stolen from a bank account after a regular card transaction at a petrol pump.
Cybersecurity experts and police officials have confirmed that this type of fraud is commonly carried out through card skimming. This involves the use of hidden devices that steal card details from point-of-sale or POS machines. Fuel stations, especially those with limited monitoring, have become prime locations for such crimes.
A cybersecurity advisor from the Uttar Pradesh Police explained that skimmers are small devices secretly attached to POS terminals or ATMs. When a customer swipes or inserts their card, the skimmer captures important details like the card number and expiry date. In advanced setups, criminals may also install fake keypads or small cameras to record PIN numbers.
Once the data is collected, it can be used to clone cards or make unauthorised online purchases. Fuel stations are especially vulnerable due to open POS machines and less surveillance, making it easier for scammers to target unsuspecting users.
To stay safe, experts advise customers to follow a few simple steps:
Always check the card machine for anything unusual before swiping.
Use RFID-blocking wallets or card sleeves for contactless cards.
Turn off international transactions unless needed.
Regularly check bank statements for any suspicious activity.
If you suspect fraud, take immediate action:
Block your card using your bank’s mobile app or helpline.
Report the transaction and request a chargeback from your bank.
File a complaint at the nearest police station or on the cybercrime.gov.in portal.
Experts also warn that e-skimming is on the rise, where users unknowingly enter their card details on fake websites or links. As cybercrime becomes more advanced, digital awareness remains a key defence.
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