Card Skimmers

Card Skimmers

       For those of you who have not heard of card skimming, this is the act of using a device to illegally collect data from the magnetic strip of a credit, debit or ATM card.  Skimmers are a portable capture device that is attached in front of or on top of the legitimate credit card processing reader.  Generally credit card thieves will often temporarily affix the card   skimmer device to gas pumps, and ATMS. Some skimmers capture the card information with a magnetic strip reader and use a miniature camera to record you typing in your PIN. In some cases they even place a secondary keypad over top of the actual keypad.

 

Tips on Detecting a Skimmer:

1. Inspect the card reader and area near the PIN pad, feel the area.

2. Look at nearby gas pumps to make sure they match the one you are using.

3. Trust your instincts.

4. Avoid using your PIN unless necessary, choose the credit option over using it as a debit card.

5. Watch your accounts, be vigilant!