ATLANTA – As retailers move to deploy EMV in their stores, credit card skimming could become a greater problem for other stores that have not deployed new technology, especially at the pump. There is no simple solution to the threat of credit card theft, but experts shared tips during a Technology Edge session Wednesday to make skimming more difficult for thieves.

“One of the best things you can do is to train your personnel to look for signs of skimming devices being installed. This has to be owned by all personnel, but you can train associates on methods,” said Luke Grant, director of Marketing for Gilbarco Veeder-Root.

Grant was one of three speakers at “Victim of Defending the Island: How to Protect Your Customers (and Your Brand) from Being a Victim of Card Skimming.”

Grant suggested low-cost actions, starting with looking for high levels of bad card reads or “dispenser offline” messages. He also said to have sales associates check for skimming devices that could protrude over equipment, as well as scratches and dents near locking panels.

“Look for suspicious activity, like people sitting there too long,” he said. “They could be installing a device or using multiple credit cards to fill bladders inside trucks. Try to maintain a line of sight with the island, and inspect all islands if incidents occur at nearby stores.”

Doug Spencer, director of products and services for NACS, also discussed low-cost options, including putting log tags on fuel pumps so you know who has been working on the pumps.

Another option is to use NACS WeCare Tamper-Evident decals that can be placed on equipment. The decals can be ordered from the NACS website, and a free app, SkimDefend, from Pinnacle can be used to skim the decals to keep track of any changes.

Tim Weston, technology solutions manager for Wayne Fueling Systems, suggested more expensive but useful options to improving security.

“You want to make it harder for criminals to get into dispensers to install skimmers by reducing the time they have to get in,” he said.

Among the options Weston discussed are changing locks so site-unique keysets are required; adding dispenser access alarms; installing prominent video surveillance systems; and improving lighting on the forecourt.

Spencer said that if a store finds it has been hit by skimmers, important steps to take are to:

• Cooperate with the authorities
• Practice open communication
• Be ready to admit fault
• Express genuine concern for customers affected

If you find you have been a victim, be sure to disable both sides of the pump and put a bag over it, contact law enforcement officials, and contact your supplier and your franchise, Spencer said.

In the aftermath of a skimming incident, retailers should inform customers and assure them the incident is being addressed. Retailers also should inform their team members of the issue, but stick to the facts; have staff members refer all inquiries to a designated person; recognize the staff member who found the skimming device.