Drivers filling up across Saudi Arabia are being reminded that card-skimming devices at fuel pumps have not gone away, and that the newest versions are far less obvious than the bulky attachments that once gave them away. Criminals continue to target pay-at-pump terminals because they are unattended, widely used and often rushed by motorists in a hurry.
A skimmer is essentially a hidden reader fitted over or inside the slot where a card is inserted. It captures the card details, while a tiny camera or an overlay on the keypad can record the PIN. Earlier versions stuck out awkwardly and were easy to notice; today's models are often thin inserts that sit almost flush with the original hardware, which is why visual checks matter more than ever.
Before inserting a card, look at the pump's card reader and the panel door. A security seal that is broken, peeling, mismatched or missing is a warning sign, as is tape, glue residue or screws that do not match the neighbouring pumps. Give the reader a gentle tug: if it shifts, protrudes or feels loose, walk away.
The risk is easy to underestimate in Saudi Arabia, where self-service pumps have spread quickly and card and contactless payments at the pump are now routine. Highway stops between cities, late-night fill-ups and busy stations with queues all create moments when drivers pay without looking closely. Where possible, use a pump in clear view of the station attendant or a camera, and consider paying inside rather than at the terminal if something looks off.
For Saudi motorists, a few simple habits go a long way. Wiggle the reader, check the seal,
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