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While most of us are aware we need to secure our personal information, when was the last time you looked at the device you use to swipe your debit or credit card?
A newer and less obvious type of fraud — skimming — takes advantage of the hardware we use all the time to process credit and debit card transactions. It is harder to spot and can go undetected for months.
WHAT IS SKIMMING?
Skimming is a kind of card fraud placing an extra part on physical card swipers and dippers. The goal is to collect your card numbers and any associated pins. These devices are typically placed on machines without regular staff maintenance such as gas pumps. Fraudsters are also targeting locations such as ATMs and even the point-of-sale at a store — though these areas are often better monitored than the lonely gas pump.
HOW DO I SPOT A SKIMMER?
Skimmers are made to look like part of the card reader machine. Advanced operations often run a camera nearby that captures the pin information associated with the card. The thief leaves the device in place and then can retrieve it later, match any pins to specific cards, and make counterfeit withdrawals or purchases.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
One way to stop this type of theft is to spot it before you insert your card. So a little detective work may be necessary. Here are important points to keep in mind when using credit or debit cards:
* DOES IT WIGGLE? Look for obvious extra layers and temporary looking attachments. ATMs are rugged machines. Many are outside and built to stand up to weather and hard use. There shouldn’t be anything loose on the machine. If the card slot moves or does not seem to be a permanent part of the machine, it’s time to dial up your fraud radar. Don’t use a card reader with parts attached by duct tape or a sign that says “Please use the temporary card reader.”
* IS IT A REAL ATM? Some third-party, nonbank machines might be set up just to steal your information. If you can, plan ahead and use the ATMs you are familiar with or those located on bank premises.
* DOES SOMETHING SEEM DIFFERENT? If you use the same ATM every week and something seems odd, point it out to someone in the branch. Androscoggin Bank team members have been trained to spot skimmers at their locations, but it helps if we are all vigilant.
PROTECT YOUR PIN
For the crooks to win, they need your card number and, where applicable, your pin. Try to protect your PIN by covering the keypad with your other hand as you enter the number.
BE SUSPICIOUS TO BE SAFE.
If it doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t. Take the time to be aware of changes, obvious signs of prying or scratching, double sided tape, or loose parts on the card reader to protect your information, and always shield your PIN.
