Fighting Fraud at the Pump: The Importance of PCI Compliance

The introduction of 'pay at pump' technology has streamlined the process of buying gas for consumers, but unfortunately, it has also widened the opportunity for fraudsters to commit credit card fraud. Despite EMV compliance being in effect since April 2021, credit card fraud at gas stations is still fairly common, especially in relation to card skimming devices. It seems that now more than ever, it is crucial for your gas station to stay on top of PCI compliance to help fight fraud at the pumps.

Let's take a look at what PCI compliance involves and how PumpTex can help support your gas station in protecting your customers and your bottom line!

What is PCI Compliance?

PCI Compliance, or Payment Card Industry Compliance, is a set of data security standards designed to protect cardholder information during credit or debit card transactions. The key purpose of these requirements is to protect sensitive payment data, reduce credit card fraud, and facilitate the secure processing of card transactions. 12 key requirements fall into the following six categories:

• Build and maintain a secure network (e.g., firewall configuration).
• Protect cardholder data (e.g., encryption).
• Maintain a vulnerability management program.
• Implement strong access control measures.
• Regularly monitor and test networks.
• Maintain an information security policy.

Compliance can be validated through self-assessment questionnaires (SAQs), vulnerability scans by Approved Scanning Vendors (ASVs), or on-site assessments by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA).

Who is Required to Have PCI Compliance?

Businesses handling, processing, or storing cardholder information, including gas stations, must uphold stringent payment security standards. For smaller enterprises, achieving PCI compliance often involves partnering with vendors offering secure, PCI-compliant payment terminals and processing services. Failing to meet these compliance requirements shifts the responsibility for fraud losses from the card networks to the merchant.

Compliance requirements vary by the size and transaction volume of the business:

• Level 1: Over 6 million transactions annually.
• Level 2: 1 to 6 million transactions annually.
• Level 3: 20,000 to 1 million transactions annually.
• Level 4: Less than 20,000 transactions annually.

As A Gas Station Owner, What Do I Need to Do?

For gas stations to achieve PCI Compliance, they must adhere to specific PCI DSS requirements. Gas stations typically fall under Level 4 merchants (processing fewer than 1 million card transactions annually). However, some larger chains may qualify for Level 2 or even Level 1.

Here are some of the key considerations and requirements you need to be on top of as a gas station owner or operator:

• EMV Gas Pump Upgrades - The deadline to install EMV compliant payment terminals was April 2021. If, for any reason, you have not yet upgraded your dispensers, you are liable for covering the cost of any fraudulent transactions conducted at your location. Contact PumpTex immediately by calling 888-906-7867 to resolve this issue and arrange your EMV upgrades.
• Secure Point-of-Sale (POS) - Besides your gas pumps being EMV compliant, you must ensure all in-store POS terminals support the appropriate secure encryption technologies, such as EMV (Chip Card) readers. You must also use PCI-certified payment devices for secure card transactions.
• Data Encryption - You must encrypt cardholder data at the point of capture and during transmission. You should avoid storing sensitive data like the entire magnetic stripe or CVV.
• Network Segmentation and Security - Install and maintain firewalls to isolate payment systems from public networks. Secure Wi-Fi networks used for business operations.
• Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program - Regularly patch and update software, including POS systems and AFD firmware. You should also use and maintain anti-malware software.
• Regular Monitoring - It is important to Implement logging mechanisms for payment systems and monitor for unauthorized access or abnormal activities.
• Strong Access Controls - Restrict access to payment systems only to authorized personnel. Ensure that remote access to payment systems requires two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) - For gas stations, depending on their setup, they likely need to complete one of these:
  1. SAQ C-VT: For virtual terminals that don't store cardholder data.
  2. SAQ D: For complex environments involving AFDs and integrated payment systems.
• Employee Training - Train staff on PCI requirements and proper handling of sensitive payment data.

What Are The Risks of Non-Compliance?

WFailing to maintain PCI compliance at your gas station can expose your business to significant risks. One of the most immediate threats is liability for fraud at the pump, where you may be held responsible for fraudulent transactions. Additionally, payment processors can impose steep fines and increase transaction fees, directly impacting your bottom line. Beyond financial penalties, a security breach can severely damage your station's reputation, causing a loss of customer trust and decreasing sales. Ensuring PCI compliance is essential for protecting your business and maintaining customer confidence.

PCI compliance is essential to maintaining your business operations as a gas station owner or operator. At PumpTex, we can install and repair EMV/PCI compliant technology to help keep you in compliance, protecting both you and your customers from the threat of credit card fraud.

We Keep You Pumping!

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PumpTex, Inc. was founded in 1997 in the back of a garage with the dream of bringing a new level of customer service to the retail petroleum service industry. Over the years, we have grown to become a valuable resource to our customers. Many consider us to be the first responders of the retail petroleum service industry!

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