What is Card Skimming and How Can You Avoid It?

Card Skimming is a tactic that criminals use to obtain your sensitive information from your debit and credit cards. Criminals do this by installing devices on card-reading machines or other point-of-sale terminals. These devices capture and store data that the criminals use to sell or make purchases and withdrawals. Here’s what to know about card skimming and how to protect yourself.

Signs to Look Out For

Several signs may indicate the presence of a skimmer on a card reader or ATM:

• Unusual damage to the card reader: Look for scratches, marks, or signs of forced entry that may indicate tampering.
• Adhesive residue: Check for sticky substances around the edges of the card reader, which could indicate a skimmer has been attached and removed.
• Unusual Keypad: If the keypad feels thicker or higher than usual, it could be due to an overlay that is designed to capture keystrokes.
• Unexpected malfunctions: Be cautious if the ATM or card reader behaves oddly, such as not accepting cards properly, as this may point to manipulation.

Keep Yourself Safe

There are several steps you can take to keep yourself safe:

• Monitor your accounts regularly. Keep an eye on your accounts and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
• Steer clear of suspicious or unfamiliar card terminals or ATMs. Fraudsters tend to install skimmers in less visible and low-traffic locations.
• Before inserting your card, inspect the terminal for any signs of tampering, especially the signs listed above.
• Consider using contactless payment methods or mobile wallets where possible to avoid exposing your card information to potential skimming devices.

What to do if You’re a Victim of Card Skimming

If you suspect you have been a victim of card skimming, contact us as soon as possible so we can help protect your identity and accounts. Taking immediate action will help protect your financial security.

Learn more

Category: Blog Slideshow