Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has produced a short video to help Texas consumers avoid becoming a victim of credit card skimming at fuel pumps. Small devices implanted by thieves in fuel pumps, called skimmers, illegally collect consumers credit or debit card information when they gas up. The devices are being found in pumps all over the state. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is responsible for inspecting all gas pumps in the state for accuracy and fuel quality. Commissioner Miller has made it a priority for TDA inspectors to also check for these illegal skimming devices. TDA's "How To Avoid Getting Skimmed" video addresses topics like what things to look for at the gas pump to indicate a skimmer has been installed. One of the most useful and surprising suggestions, according to comments from Facebook viewers, is the tip to watch out for Bluetooth signals at the pump. Some skimmer devices depend on Bluetooth signals to get private data out of the skimmers and into the thieves' phones or laptops.
Howdy Neighbors! You may not know it, but the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) touches your life almost every day. From the gas pump you used to fill up your car this morning to the salsa you’re eating at dinner, TDA was there to help. From the healthy lunches at your child’s school to the scales used to weigh your luggage at the airport, TDA was there, too. From our role as the state consumer protection agency to administering school lunches and marketing Texas products, the TDA is a diverse and busy place. We work hard every day to serve you.
Since I was sworn into office in 2015, I’ve also worked diligently to make this agency better. Please take some time to browse our website and learn about the many ways we’re working better, faster and more efficiently for you. As always, it is my honor to serve as your Texas Agriculture Commissioner and remind you that Texas Agriculture Matters!
Your Servant,
Sid Miller
Texas Agriculture Commissioner