What are card skimmers?
Card skimmers have long been used by criminals as a way to capture card information without your knowledge. A card skimmer is a small piece of technology that can read card information from the magnetic strip (also called a magstripe) on the back of your credit card or debit card. Data like your credit card number, full name, card expiration date, and country code are obtained from the illegal reading and criminals can then use that information to create false credit or debit cards.
Where are card skimmers?
You can find card skimmers in legitimate places like ATMs, gas pumps, stores and more. They are small and usually placed just over the top of a card slot of a reader or in a less visible location. Skimmers come in all sizes, and small ones could also be slipped onto a card reader in a store without being too obvious.
Criminals also can use pocket-sized card skimmers that can be used right next to an actual card reader. An example of this could be a skimmer used by someone in a restaurant while they have your card and are running it away from the table or in the drive-through line.
Another tactic used involves a small camera hidden at the ATM to attempt to capture the PINs entered with each card or fake number pad on top of the actual number pad.
How is the stolen data used?
Many criminals sell the stolen data or they may produce cards to sell to criminals. They also may employ others to use the fake cards by making purchases or withdrawing money. Because the end user of these fake cards is at risk, as the card may have already been flagged for fraud, they prefer to use the fake cards when there is little to no human interaction, using the card to buy gift cards, or things that are easily re-sellable.
How to recognize a card skimmer
A skimmer is designed to go unnoticed. There are different types shaped to match different card readers.
Here are some easy-to-spot signs that a skimmer being used.
- Plastic color may not match the rest of the reader
- Skimmer may be mis-aligned, crooked, or looks imperfect
- The skimmer can be dislodged with a little bit of wiggling or a tug
- The device may appear very worn
What to do
- Keep your eyes open. Look for anything that seems off or out of sorts. Skimmers may use a slightly different color, a hidden camera could be installed within line of the sight of the pin pad, or a fake sign may be mis-aligned.
- Check for tampering. Don't be afraid to wiggle, shake or pull on the card slot area at an ATM, gas station or store, especially if it looks off. If it's a skimmer, it can pop right off in your hands. If it’s a fake number pad on top of the real pad, it should lift up fairly easily.
- Use the EMV chip slot or tap to pay, whenever possible. Most places have this in place, so utilize this option over swiping your card.
- Always shield your PIN. Even if you think it might look silly, always assume someone is watching over your shoulder and wants to know your PIN. Use your free hand and even your body to obscure your PIN from sight just in case a camera is hidden nearby.
- Keep your card in sight. Therefore you keep the card in your sight (or preferably, in your hand) when making a purchase, the less likely it’ll be skimmed. If you are going through a drive-thru, keep an eye on the card as they run it through the reader. If anything looks suspicious, get a manager.
- Speak up! If you find a skimmer, alert the police immediately. It's also important to let the store, gas station or financial institution know. Companies work closely with law enforcement to protect the people using their services.
The Good News
Magnetic stripe technology is on the way out. That means the skimmers that we know today won't be useful for criminals much longer. Until then, stay vigilant and use these tips to avoid and catch card skimmers.