How to Spot and Avoid Credit Card Skimmers

Considering recent data breaches, Protecting your personal information at Target and Home Depot is important. You can do this by being alert for credit card scammers when you shop. You can avoid being a victim if you can recognize them. In this article, We’ll discuss some tips to avoid being a target of credit card scammers. Let’s get started!

What is a Credit Card Skimmer?

Credit card skimmers are special devices used by thieves to steal credit card information from innocent people. The skimmer attaches to credit card readers found at gas stations, hotels, small grocery shops, and other places people use their credit cards.

The skimmer will read the credit card information as the target person inserts their credit card into the reader. The thief will then have the stolen credit card information and can make fraudulent purchases.

How can Skimmers steal credit card and debit card information?

Thieves attach skimming devices to card readers to steal debit and credit card information. They connect the skimmer to the card reader at an ATM or another machine and read data from the card’s magnetic strip. The thief can use the report to make a fake card or access the card’s account.

What happens if a credit card got skimmed?

The thieves will make use of stolen card information in several ways. A thief could create a fake credit cards, make a fraudulent purchases online, or even sell stolen data. It is easier to dispute fraudulent charges on credit cards than debit card. A lot of credit cards come with a zero-liability policy. The cardholder will not pay back the funds if fraud occurs. Cardholders will see a credit for the fraudulent amount in their monthly statements.

Here are the Top Tips to Avoid Debit or Credit Card Skimmers

Let’s now learn what a skimmer looks like and how it works. We will discuss the top methods to spot card-skimming devices at an ATM, gas station, or any other location.

1. Open your mind to unusual possibilities

It would be best if you inspected for any unusual items. It could show that the card reader has been altered. A hidden camera is something you should look for in card skimmers. A thief might place the camera near your keypad to capture your pin as you type it.

2. Pay attention

Make sure the ATM or credit card terminal is not damaged. You should immediately report any suspicious activity to your credit card issuer or bank. If you suspect your card was stolen, immediately report it to your bank.

3. Verify the keypad

The keypad may feel loose or spongy if you press the buttons when it has been altered with. This could be a sign that the machine has been changed. If the keypad feels different, it could show that it has a skimming device.

4. Gas pump security tape/sticker

Check for security tapes or stickers at the gas station. This sign usually means that the station approved and inspected the pump. Do not use the pump if the security seal is missing or broken. This could indicate that a thief has interfered with it.

5. You should be close to your reader as possible

Double-sided tape can be used to attach a skimmer to the card reader. You may feel the reader’s surface and detect uneven or raised edges. This could be another sign that the machine has been altered.

6. Credit instead of debit

Use credit at gas stations and ATMs instead of debit when possible. Credit cards offer greater fraud protections than debit cards. The chances of fraudulent charges occurring are lower. It will allow you to rest easy, knowing that your hard-earned cash is safe.

7. Cover your pin with your hand

Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN. This will prevent hidden cameras from seeing it. This article mentioned those skimming devices could include a small camera to capture the PIN number. You can protect your PIN number from being stolen by covering the keypad.

8. Trust your senses

Pay attention to what’s around you and listen to your gut. If something feels strange to an ATM, cancel the transaction immediately and notify the bank. It is always better to be safe than sorry. You can always go to another ATM if you have to withdraw cash.

9. Make your payment inside

If your local gas station doesn’t have the latest pumps to accept your mobile wallet, or you aren’t sure if the machine can be used safely, visit the station to pay. It’s worth taking the extra time to go inside, as it could save you lots of trouble later.

10. check your account

Instead of waiting for your monthly statement to arrive, you can check your account online or via mobile banking. If something happens, you can immediately notify the bank or credit union that your funds are located.

11. Download a skimmer scanner

Before you use an ATM, download a skimmer-detecting application like Skimmer Scanner to check for Bluetooth devices nearby. Skimmer-detecting apps are available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Can a Card Reader Skimmer read a Chip Card?

Because the chip information is harder to copy, chip-enabled cards can be less at risk of being stolen at gas pumps and ATMs. If they have suitable devices, thieves can still swipe chip cards.

Before using a chip-enabled reader to read your card, look for any signs of tampering.