Protect Your Wallet: How to Spot ATM Skimmers

Have you heard about the latest scam going around? It's called "card skimming."

According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, these crafty criminals are illegally installing devices on ATMs, gas pumps, and checkout counters to steal your credit and debit card information.

The worst part is, these skimmers are so well-hidden that they're practically invisible to the naked eye

Lisa Sherman, an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, mentioned, “they are simple devices that capture card information, such as card numbers, from credit cards.”

Typically, these skimmers are used on gas pumps that are far away from the station buildings, making it hard to spot them. The device allows your card to work just like normal, but it secretly stores your information, which scammers can later download onto a computer for online purchases.

How to Spot These Sneaky Devices

An example of a real versus fake skimmer. .Photo provided by Albony County Sheriff Department.

It’s also easy to tell if a skimmer isn’t real, it’s usually installed over the current card reader and can be taken off easily. Always double-check the pumps, and make sure they have seals from inspections to show they haven’t been tampered with

Protection Tips from Lisa Sherman

Experts recommend the following strategies to protect yourself:

● Use pumps close to the building.

● Don't use a PIN number or debit card.

● Use one credit card only for gas that has instant reporting of the use and fraud protection.

According to Balentine, who is a verified journalist, “reports are piling up, and these criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated with their methods.”

Paula Wethington is a digital producer at CBS Detroit and encourages that, “staying informed and vigilant is the best way to keep your money safe! It's astonishing how quickly these scams are evolving, wouldn't you agree? By staying alert, we can all contribute to a safer banking environment for everyone.”

Written by Della Ancel