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This Is How to Spot a Card Skimmer Before You Get Scammed


Summary

  • Card skimmers capture card data in ATMs and POS systems; hidden cameras can capture PINs.

  • Skimmers are hard to see, but you should check for tampered seals, misaligned card readers and hidden cameras.

  • Prevent card skimming by choosing safe ATMs, using the tap-to-pay feature, monitoring your transactions.

Card skimmers are more advanced than ever, hidden in ATMs and other payment machines, ready to steal your financial details. While you can never be completely safe, there are a few ways you can spot a card skimmer waiting to steal your private data.

What is Card Skimming?

Card skimmers are physical devices installed on ATMs and in-store card readers by criminals. By doing so, the criminal can use your card details to make purchases without physically stealing your card. Perhaps more dangerous is that the data of your card can also be sold on the dark web or used to create forged cards in your name. So, in addition to the initial wave of purchases and withdrawals from your account, card skimming can also lead to more fraudulent activity.

Although credit card skimmers are quite inconspicuous, the device is designed to effectively read the magnetic strip on your card as soon as you insert it into a card reader. If the criminal went further to replace the real keyboard with a fake one, your PIN could also be compromised. Once your data is captured, the criminal can use it himself or sell it.

While card skimmers can be installed in almost any point of sale (POS) system, they are most common in gas pumps, ATMs, and self-checkout kiosks in stores. Criminals choose these locations strategically because they are high traffic areas with minimal security surveillance.

I learned about card skimming the hard way. A few months ago, I stopped at a gas station to fill up my tank. I didn’t pay attention to the card reader, and everything was normal for the next few days. The following weekend, I received a series of messages from my credit card provider about charges I never made. Digging into it, I found that the charges were made in a different state. I called my credit card company, confused, since I had my card with me and wasn’t sure how the charges were made.

They confirmed that my card had been skimmed – and I’ve been very careful with ATMs and other POS systems since then.

How to Spot a Card Skimmer

person who enters the pin into the atm device
PeopleImage/Shutterstock

Skimming devices are designed to not be visible or distinguishable from the real thing. However, there are ways to spot a card skimmer.

1. Tampered Security Seal

Gas pumps usually have a large security label attached near the card reader. If a criminal opens the pump panel to attach a skimming device, the label will say “Void”. If you check this, you will see that the machine could be tampered with. Thieves may also try to affix a new counterfeit seal over the tampered sticker, so inspect the seal carefully before swiping your card.

2. The card reader is misaligned or moved

You should also check if the card reader is intact before paying. If you see a part out of alignment or raised, a skimmer could be installed. Another sign of tampering is if the card reader moves. An intact card reader will not marry or feel loose. So, before inserting your card, check if the reader looks like the ones you usually see. If something looks bulky, oddly shaped or unstable, report it to an employee and find another ATM or POS system.

3. Cameras pointed at the Keypad

Skimmers sometimes use a camera in addition to the skimming device to improve their chances of capturing your PIN. So, before inserting your card into a reader, take a few seconds to inspect the area for cameras. Also, pay close attention to the space above the card reader. If a camera is installed, you will see a small hole or lens pointing at the keyboard. If you have your smartphone with you, you can also try it Find hidden cameras with your mobile phone.

How to prevent card Skimming

The most effective way to prevent being scammed is to inspect the card reader and the keyboard for spotting skimming devices. However, there are other things you can do to protect yourself.

1. Choose ATMs carefully

Unless you are in urgent need, it is better to choose an ATM in a well-lit area with security. Similarly, if you use the POS system at a point of sale, choose one that is visible, such as near the checkout area of ​​the store or assistance.

You want to avoid using the ATM in secluded and dimly lit areas as much as possible. Before using the machine, pull or move the card reader and keyboard to see if these parts detach or move. Also, cover the pad with your hand while entering the PIN (this is not a fool-proof method, but it can help if the cameras are pointing at the keypad).

2. Use the Tap-to-Pay function

Contactless cards and Digital wallets are the safest to use in unknown or high-risk places because they allow you to pay without inserting the card into the card reader. If you are at a gas station, check if you can pay inside or via cash. This usually offers more security.

3. Monitor Your Transactions

Person using credit card to buy phone subscription
letter phimpha/Shutterstock

Despite your best efforts to spot card skimming devices, the risks are still there. After that, monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly. This will help you catch any unauthorized transactions, which you can report and dispute with your bank.

What to do if your card is skimmed

Like me, you may not realize your card has been skimmed until days (or even weeks) later. However, what helped me was that I immediately saw the unauthorized transactions and reported them to my bank. My card has been blocked, and a replacement card has been sent. Since I saw this quickly, the impact was minimal.

If you are a victim of card skimming, be sure to contact your card issuer as soon as possible. The sooner you do this, the better you can protect your finances and avoid the risk of missing any unauthorized transactions. In most cases, you will not be responsible for the compromised account and you will receive the stolen funds.

Since threats like card skimming are on the rise, the only thing you can do is stay vigilant. If the card reader looks suspicious, it is better not to use it. And if you think you might be a victim of card skimming, report it to your bank immediately to secure your account and finances.



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