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These devices sit flush with the machine and are not easy to spot unless you proactively examine the machine.
The U.S. has the highest number of credit card fraud cases of any country.
Adrians adventure cost 1,000 bank customers about $1.5 million.
How Does Credit Card Skimming Work?
The machine stores the cardholders name, card number, and expiration date.
After a while, the skimmer will stop by the compromised machine to collect the stolen data.
The skimmer may use the data to clone cards or commit a card-not-present fraud.
The skimmer needs your PIN to dive into the account.
Skimmers steal PINs with a camera.
The card reader itself may have a camera.
Some skimmers, though, mount a camera on the machine or the ceiling.
How to Spot a Credit Card Skimming machine?
Credit card skimming devices arent easily identifiable and often look very similar to a regular card reader.
However, you’re able to spot one if you carefully examine the machine before use.
A skimming devices color scheme may differ from the rest of the machine.
If it seems too odd to look at, be skeptical.
A damaged panel or a broken security seal is another telltale sign of tampering.
While youre at it, wiggle the card reader and keypad to see if they are loosely fitted.
A skimming machine needs to be detached for collecting information and will feel loose when wiggled.
How to Protect Yourself from Credit Card Skimmers?
it’s possible for you to guard yourself against skimmers with a few easy steps.
The use of payment apps like Android Pay instead of using a physical card eliminates the possibility of skimming.
If you must use an ATM, use one that a clerk supervises.
Fraudsters are less likely to tamper with supervised ATMs compared to unsupervised gas station ATMs.
Dont leave your card alone
Dont let anybody take your card and walk away.
Keep the card under your watch at all times.
Restaurants now use pay-at-the-table technology.
You dont need to hand over your cards custody to a stranger.
The staff brings a card reader to your table so you’re free to swipe the card yourself.
So, use a credit card instead of a debit card whenever possible.
Stay vigilant
Set up email and text notifications for transactions.
This way, if theres an unauthorized transaction, you might be quick to act on it.
Instead of directly scanning the credit card bill for the minimum amount due, audit all transactions carefully.
If you spot any unauthorized charges, inform the cards issuer right away so they can block your card.
Consider credit monitoring services
Enrolling incredit monitoring servicescan provide an additional layer of protection.
These services continuously track your credit activity, alerting you promptly if suspicious or unauthorized transactions are detected.
They can also help you quickly address potential identity theft issues by providing regular credit reports and fraud alerts.
The introduction of chip-enabled cards made skimming difficult, but the thieves were quick to evolve.
Credit card shimming requires using a equipment called a shim that is fitted inside the machines reader.
Shims are relatively smaller and tougher to detect than skimming devices.
The shims arent on the outside of the reader, though.
You cant wiggle them to see if they feel lose since theyre fitted inside the reader.
When you insert your card in a shim-fitted machine, youll feel some resistance.
If youre unsure of the ATMs safety at this point, use a different ATM.
The scammer cant clone a chip-enabled card based on the data collected by the shim.
However, they can create a magstripe-only card using this data.
The Price of Safety is Eternal Vigilance
Thieves will always be out to get your money.
It behooves you to vigilantly protect your money against those who conspire to steal it.
Granted, it requires some time and effort to go on the defensive.
However, in the long run, youll save a lot of time, effort, and money.
