Skimming Devices

What is skimming?
"Skimming" is one of the newest tactics thieves have found to steal your information from credit and debit cards. Criminals can purchase card readers (for as little as a hundred dollars) to use as a handheld device or installed into ATM machines to steal your card information without your knowledge.

How does skimming theft work?
ATM and point-of-sale skimming devices read information from your debit or credit card, the ATM keypad, or a nearby hidden camera records PIN numbers when entered. The skimming device is usually very small and virtually undetectable. It can look like a credit card reader that you would normally use in stores. Thieves may install a skimmer for a short while or leave it in place with a wireless connection to an offsite computer. The information is used to access your account or to produce duplicate cards that may be sold on the black market, or used by the thief.

How do I protect myself from skimming?
You can protect yourself from skimming by being observant and alert.

• If you are using an ATM, take the time to check that there is nothing suspicious about the machine, beware of devices that protrude from the ATM
• If an ATM looks suspicious, do not use it and alert the ATM owner
• Read the labels on ATM machines as many skimmers are foreign and labels on the devices may have misspellings