Thieves Use Bluetooth Technology To Rip-Off Drivers At The Pump

DALLAS, Texas (CBSNewYork) -- There was a consumer alert Sunday, for drivers about skimming at the pump.

Hackers have been stepping up their game, stealing bank information with a new device.

As CBS2's Jeff Paul reported, it happened at several gas stations in Dallas.

It's the fastest, most convenient way to fill up your tank, but it could cost you everything.

Tracy Schlosstein pulls into the same Exxon every week, and had no idea that someone hacked into the machines and installed a Bluetooth enabled credit card skimmer.

"I think that's say because they could be over there in the next parking lot reading information hacking it off the computer," she said.

Dallas police said that's exactly what they discovered happening at four different Exxon stations in the city.

"They can do it in a split second, put it on. So, they obviously have knowledge of the pumps," Lt. Tony Crawford said.

The latest one was found on Sunday.

"It makes total sense being that Bluetooth is very short range, easy to install, micro small," Michael Dear, Spy Centre Security said.

Dear said consumers or gas station owners could purchase frequency detectors. The basic ones start at $200, but the more sophisticated instruments that pinpoint specific frequencies can run up to $500.

"It doesn't surprise me, the thieves and criminals are always a step ahead," Dear said.

The most obvious way to fight the skimmers is to stop using plastic and stay away from outdoor kiosks.

"Now that you've made me aware of it, I'll probably get cash and go inside and pay," Schlosstein said.

Police also said to lookout for gas stations that have security tape strips.

If anyone cracked inside, the seal would be broken.