Five Ways to Detect a Credit Card Skimmer
Times are constantly changing, which means Americans are using physical payment methods less and less—forget cash; These days, most of us use digital wallets and other, safer ways to pay for things rather than credit or debit cards.
But you can’t always avoid using a physical card at a store checkout or ATM . Although most card payments these days use Europay, Mastercard and Visa (EMV) chip technology for contactless payments, you still encounter many older ATMs and point-of-sale (POS) systems that require you to swipe or insert your card . card to work money magic – and that puts you at risk of being scammed by a skimmer or flicker ( the flicker is a thin circuit board inserted into the card reader; when you “dip” your card, it captures your information).
Skimmers and flashers are variations of the same idea: some kind of technology is illegally inserted between you and the card reader at an ATM or cash register. Often, they either look exactly like the real thing or are hidden inside the cash register, making them difficult to detect. These are often large-scale operations where devices are installed on many computers with the aim of stealing your information, and despite the rise of contactless payments, such scams are still rampant. Your number one defense is to stay informed and know what to look for.
Skimmer detection
Many skimmers are designed to look like the real thing, but because they are retrofitted, they usually have some telltale signs on them. If you find yourself in a situation where you have to physically swipe or insert a card, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself:
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Compare. If possible, compare the card reader to others in the same store or ATM lobby. Does it look different? It’s probably a fake.
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Try deleting. Then give it a yank—well, really yank it —even if you have no reason to be suspicious. Many skimmers are installed on top of existing equipment and can be removed with a little force but will not cause any real harm. See if you can get your fingernail under the keyboard and lift it up ; criminals want to steal your PIN by intercepting it as you enter it.
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Look for leftovers. Inspect the reader surface for sticky residue; sometimes these devices quickly (and sloppily) get glued into place. Scratches may also indicate that tools have been used on the machine.
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Check the tape. Some ATMs and POS systems with gas pumps use security tape to ensure that the reader has not been opened to insert flicker or otherwise tamper with it. The Federal Trade Commission has a photograph of what this tape should look like in the canceled and non-cancelled condition.
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Look inside. Before inserting the card into the reader, shine a light on it to make sure nothing is stuck there.
Other tips
Simply being physically observant will protect you from most skimmers and flickers, but criminals have other tricks you should be aware of whenever you access an ATM, so there are a few more things to keep in mind:
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Situation awareness. Be sure to look around every time you are about to use a credit or ATM card. Look for anything out of place, such as mismatched machines or components that look broken or dirty. Trust your instincts and use a different car (or shop) if you have any doubts.
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Cover your keyboard. Even if you find no reason to believe a skimmer is involved, criminals sometimes install tiny cameras that capture your PIN as you enter it. Combined with the card information the skimmer receives, they have everything they need to rob you blind.
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Always use contactless communication. If possible, always choose contactless payment to avoid all risks. While it’s possible that thieves could steal your card details in a contactless transaction, it’s much more complicated than that.