PIN code getting gas?

Submitted by gimli2175 t3_10ht48t in newjersey

Got gas this morning with debit card and he kept asking me for my PIN code? I'm like no I don't give my code. I got out of the car and it was asking for the fill up amount. He seemed confused and I assumed that was the case. He went inside to get help, but I just entered the amount and set the pump myself.

Then I was just a little suspicious. Has this ever happened to anyone or was the just not used to the process? He was middle eastern so language is probably an issue.

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Comments

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RafeDangerous t1_j5avr57 wrote

I personally wouldn't put a PIN number into a gas pump, but that's kind of beside the point...using a debit card for purchases is a bad idea. You don't get the same protections as you do with a credit card, and any reimbursements you get if someone skims your card can take time to process and you're out the cash in the meantime. I get not wanting to carry a balance on a credit card, but just pay it before that happens, you can pay it off as often as you like to make sure you don't run up a balance. It also improves your credit score to use and pay on a credit card regularly.

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Dbssist t1_j5b6g8i wrote

Building up credit history in the US, this is exactly what I'm doing - every purchase I make is done on credit card, I then transfer the amount from my checking account at my earliest convenience via my bank's app.

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TriggerTough t1_j5a8gkx wrote

PIN or Zip Code? Sometimes they need the Zip Code to run the card at the pump.

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Catvros t1_j5ajtrq wrote

Eh better use cash or credit card instead of debit on purchases well known for problems with skimming devices.

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krazzy088 t1_j5abshe wrote

I know when I used to go get gas at Costco they would make me get out and type in my PIN code. Then one day they stopped needing it. Maybe you went to a gas station with older pumps and antiquated tech? As for the fill amount, I believe at most stations I go to $100 gets input. Meaning it can go up to but not exceed that amount. It doesn’t come close to that obv but I guess that’s the roundabout number they use.

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sirzoop t1_j5bofhy wrote

He might have been trying to skim your card. I'd recommend using credit cards in the future because if he did get your pin and skim your card he could have withdrawn money from the bank

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OtherwiseOMG1 t1_j5d6fx9 wrote

There are a lot of articles about not using a debit card at the pump, or really anywhere else, as protections are different than with a Credit Card. I’d recommend using credit only or cash.

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Wishilikedhugs t1_j5ac28o wrote

I'm outside of Jersey currently (aka pumping own gas) and the kiosks always ask for a PIN. My guess is that people working pumps up there just instinctively know to hit the bypass button real quick and that he hadn't been trained yet.

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