Don't Fall Victim to Credit Card Skimmers

In light of recent credit card skimmer attacks at local and surrounding areas, here are some things you can do to protect yourself and your information.  Nothing is 100% full proof but being diligent and observant can reduce your chances of getting your information stolen.

Inspect the Card Reader Area and the Area Around the PIN Pad

These devices are usually designed to be temporarily affixed to the ATM or gas pump so that they can easily be removed by the bad guys once they’ve collected a batch of cardholder information.  Check the area of the card reader before you put your card in.  Check to make sure there is nothing loose.  Take a look at all the card readers on nearby gas pumps.  Do they all look the same?  Do any of the arrows or stickers look out of place? 

Wiggle everything and question anything that is loose. 

Trust Your Instincts

More often then we care to admit, our brains are excellent at seeing things that our out of place – even though we just can’t put our finger on it  If you get a sense that something is off at your ATM or the gas pump you are at, you might be better off using one that you feel more comfortable at.  A lot of times skimmers are usually placed on only one or two devices at a location – this way the bad guys can get away quickly and easily.  Look around, be observant.

Avoid Using Your PIN number

If you have the option of using your card as a credit card rather than a debit card, use it as credit.  This way you don’t have to enter your pin.  The bad guys can do even more damage and it is less traceable if they have your pin.  If you have to enter your pin, use your and to shield this information from any cameras that may be watching.  Often times when thieves have placed a skimmer on a device, they also place a small camera to capture pin number.  Be observant.  Look around and be aware.  Take the time to be observant and think about what you are doing. 

Go Inside to Pay

With today’s busy schedule the convenience of paying at the pump is something we take for granted.  Taking a few minutes to go pay inside and have the clerk run your card can save you more than a few minutes, it can save you hundreds of dollars and the problems associated with getting your card skimmed. 

Watch Your Accounts

Unfortunately today, no one is safe from hacking scams and other attempts to gain access to our personal information and bank accounts.  Watch your accounts, check them regularly and immediately report any suspicious activity to the authorities. 

Here are some examples of what skimmers may look like.

This is a picture of a fake skimmer on the right -- notice how it sticks out compared to the original.	Check the seals to make sure they don't appear tampered with.
This is an example of a skimmer that was placed in a Walmart in 2016