Card skimming theft poses a risk to anyone who uses credit or debit cards at ATMs, gas stations, restaurants, or retail stores. A skimmer is a device attached to card readers to collect card numbers, which thieves later use for fraudulent purchases. Skimmers can be challenging to detect, but a quick visual and physical inspection before using your card can help you avoid falling victim to this type of fraud.
Understanding Skimmers
While skimmers are most frequently found at ATMs and gas stations, retail stores and restaurants can also be involved in skimming scams. Thieves may use hidden cameras to record PIN entries or place fake keypads over real ones. To blend in with legitimate equipment, skimmers are often designed to match the style of existing card readers, making them difficult to spot.
How to Check for a Skimmer
Identifying a skimming device involves careful inspection:
- Visual Inspection: Before using an ATM or gas pump, examine the alignment of the card reader and the panel it is mounted on. Skimmers often stick out at odd angles or obscure part of the panel. Compare the reader with others at nearby ATMs or pumps to spot any discrepancies.
- Physical Inspection: For gas pumps, check for tampered security tapes or stickers on the cabinet panel. If the tape appears damaged, the pump may have been compromised. Additionally, look inside the card reader for any foreign objects, like thin plastic circuit boards.
- Testing the Equipment: Gently wiggle the card reader and keypad. If they feel loose or move easily, they might have been tampered with. According to the FTC, authentic card readers are firmly built, so any movement or instability could indicate a skimmer.
Other Potential Skimming Scenarios
Though less common, skimmers can also be installed on retail POS systems. Be cautious of unusual card readers and ensure that devices used for swiping cards in restaurants appear legitimate. If you hand your card to a server, it’s possible they could use a skimmer before returning it to you.
How to Avoid Card Skimmers
To protect yourself from card skimmers:
- ATM and Gas Pump Usage: Always check for signs of tampering before using a card reader. If you notice anything suspicious, pay for gas inside with the cashier and report the potential skimmer. Use bank ATMs rather than those found in convenience stores or bars, as they are less likely to be compromised.
- PIN Protection: Cover the keypad with one hand while entering your PIN to block potential cameras.
- Beware of Scams: Never hand your card to someone claiming they can clean the magnetic stripe or chip for easier reading. This is often a scam designed to steal your card information.
What to Do If Your Card Is Skimmed
If your card information is stolen:
- Fraudulent Use: Thieves may create fake cards, make online purchases, or sell your information. Fortunately, credit cards usually offer zero liability policies, meaning you won’t be responsible for fraudulent charges. A credit for the disputed amount will often be applied to your account.
- Preventive Measures: Opt to use a credit card over a debit card for transactions, particularly at gas stations, to benefit from additional fraud protection. You can also pay inside with a cashier for greater security.
- Monitor Activity: Regularly check your credit card statements or online account for unauthorized transactions. Report suspicious activity immediately using the contact number on your card. Many credit cards offer proactive alerts for potentially fraudulent charges, and you will likely receive a new card with a new number soon after reporting.
Bottom Line
Staying vigilant while using credit cards at various points of sale is crucial to avoid falling victim to card skimming. A quick visual and physical check of card readers can help you spot potential skimmers. In the event of theft, credit card protections and prompt reporting will typically mitigate financial losses and facilitate a swift resolution.
