Arco needs to act against ID thefts

How many more customers will be victims of identity theft before Arco safeguards its payment machines?

Thieves have lifted debit card information and personal identification numbers from more than a dozen customers at Arco stations in Costa Mesa in recent weeks.

Thousands of dollars have been illegally withdrawn from the checking accounts of those customers. Hundreds of other customers who used the debit card machine at the Arco at Fair Drive and Fairview Road from July 4 to 10 are at risk of having their accounts pilfered.

Why Arco?

Simple.

Unlike most companies that sell gasoline, Arco does not accept credit card payments. Customers must pay in cash or with a debit card.

We should note that this system allows Arco to keep prices down, which, given the soaring costs of gasoline in recent years, is a good thing.

And we’re not challenging that system. But it should be safeguarded.

The identity thefts — beyond our area — have been going on for months. Thieves attach devices that glean information from customers’ ATM cards to the payment machines. The thieves then manufacture phony ATM cards and steal money from accounts.

Arco officials have reiterated that the company plans to keep a watchful eye on its machines, but have declined to specify what that will mean in the future.

We’re sorry, but as the saying goes, that dog won’t hunt.

If Arco is serious about stopping ID thieves, it should: 1) Figure out a way to safeguard its payment machines, perhaps by hiring security guards or by investing in anti-theft technology; and 2) Be frank with the public about its plans, or lack of plans.

Until and unless the company steps up its efforts, more customers will be victimized.

And if there are no plans to safeguard the machines, customers should know so they can weigh the benefits of getting cheap gas against the cost of being victimized by identity thieves.