Consumer Advisory: MDARD Reminds Drivers, Visitors to be Vigilant with Bank, Credit Account Monitoring Over Labor Day Weekend

Lansing, MI – As Michiganders approach the Labor Day holiday, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) urges consumers, drivers, and visitors to remain vigilant for potential credit card skimming throughout the holiday. Credit card skimmers cannot be seen outside the gas pump. These devices are inside the pump, stealing the consumer’s credit/debit card information.

“We want Michiganders traveling over the holiday weekend to know we’re working to keep them  protected,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “MDARD inspectors play a critical role in protecting motorists, truckers, and their wallets at the gas pump. They look for skimmers during every routine pump inspection and check gas for both quality and quantity. We want Michiganders to know when they fill up, they’re getting every dollar worth of gas into their tank.”

While most gas station operators are delivering the proper quality and quantity of fuel, motorists can help increase their protection by making sure the price display on the pump is set to zero before the pump starts and verifying the sign on the roadway matches the price on the pump before fueling. In addition, consumers should always request a receipt as a record of their purchase.

“Michigan boasts over a 90% compliance rate on fuel pumps, largely due to the hard work of our weights and measures staff,” added Craig VanBuren, MDARD’s Lab Division Director. “The non-compliance issues can be attributed to various reasons, including display malfunction or even providing too much fuel. Less than a quarter percent of devices we test fail to deliver too little fuel. MDARD works with our station owners and operators to help them get back into compliance.”

MDARD continues to work with the U.S. Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement, who are the lead agencies on these investigations, to try track down the thieves. The department will continue to look for skimmers during every routine pump inspection.

The Motor Fuels Hot Line, 800-MDA-FUEL or 800-632-3835, is used for reporting suspected poor fuel quality or pump shortages. It is posted on the pumps at every filling station in the state.

For additional information on MDARD’s Weights and Measures Program, please visit www.michigan.gov/wminfo.

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