Valero Using New Pump Security System? (Alamo, Alamo Heights: credit score, buyers, school)

[firstclassflyer]

Originally Posted by ged_782

I usually buy gas at Valero stations located in my home ZIP Code, using only a Valero card, and paying at the pump. The requirement to enter a ZIP Code is definitely a recent development, at least for me (I'm not complaining).

I used to frequent Exxon, until they closed all their stations near my home and work, and I never had to enter my ZIP Code when paying at the pump with an Exxon card or Speedpass.

I never use major credit cards at gas stations, so I don't know whether these places that now require a ZIP Code to be entered when using that particular oil company's own card have required this all along when using a major CC. Maybe the stations have been phasing this in over a period of time?

That's probably what it is. I never use a gas station card.

[onlysourcherry]

The zip code is used to cut down on fraud and also lowers the MC/Visa, etc. interchange rates for the gas station.

A lot of fraud happens at gas stations. When cards are stolen, thieves often test them at gas station pumps. This lets them test a small amount on the card to see if they work.

[Drzy]

I was behind a couple at a Redbox DVD rental machine, where you also have to enter your zip code. Neither of them knew what their zip code was. They tried a few times then gave up and left without a movie.

[Deep Forest]

Originally Posted by Drzy

I was behind a couple at a Redbox DVD rental machine, where you also have to enter your zip code. Neither of them knew what their zip code was. They tried a few times then gave up and left without a movie.

They didn't know where they lived ???? Now that's bad.....

[Deep Forest]

Originally Posted by onlysourcherry

The zip code is used to cut down on fraud and also lowers the MC/Visa, etc. interchange rates for the gas station.

A lot of fraud happens at gas stations. When cards are stolen, thieves often test them at gas station pumps. This lets them test a small amount on the card to see if they work.

Pretty low tech, but effective, deterrent unless they happen to get the driver's license too.....

[Bo]

I noticed the zip code security measure appeared at gas stations inside 410 a couple of years ago, before it appeared at the stations I've used outside 410 this year. It seems to be more common everywhere now. I've also noticed it at HEB.

Be careful entering something other than your zip code on those keypads... it may trigger a fraud alert at your credit card issuer. I once made a typo entering the zip code while buying gas and entered it correctly on the second attempt. Within the hour, I got a call at home from the credit card company wanting to verify my recent purchases.

[Deep Forest]

Originally Posted by Bowie

I noticed the zip code security measure appeared at gas stations inside 410 a couple of years ago, before it appeared at the stations I've used outside 410 this year. It seems to be more common everywhere now. I've also noticed it at HEB.

Be careful entering something other than your zip code on those keypads... it may trigger a fraud alert at your credit card issuer. I once made a typo entering the zip code while buying gas and entered it correctly on the second attempt. Within the hour, I got a call at home from the credit card company wanting to verify my recent purchases.

Yeah...don't be surprised if they program the pumps to eat your cc like at the bank atms too....

[doss1]

It MAY only be required if you use the credit card option, rather than the debit card option. If you do the debit card route, it just asks for the PIN.

[scuba steve]

Originally Posted by Bowie

I noticed the zip code security measure appeared at gas stations inside 410 a couple of years ago, before it appeared at the stations I've used outside 410 this year. It seems to be more common everywhere now. I've also noticed it at HEB.

Be careful entering something other than your zip code on those keypads... it may trigger a fraud alert at your credit card issuer. I once made a typo entering the zip code while buying gas and entered it correctly on the second attempt. Within the hour, I got a call at home from the credit card company wanting to verify my recent purchases.

At HEB the question comes up prior to the transaction while they're scanning your stuff. Doesn't seem to go away if you use cash either, and you can hit cancel to make it go away. That's what tells me that it's used for internal data collection purposes (probably to see what stuff people from what zip codes buy so they can adjust their product mix). I'm giving them all the info they need to profile 98058. Now HEB knows people from that zip code really like Sunchips!

[doss1]

mmmmm sunchips....i like the kettle brand chips now.