How to Recognize Skimming at Gas Pumps and ATMs

Have you ever been a victim of credit card skimming? Skimming happens more often than people think, so we want you to be aware of what it can look like so it doesn’t happen to you. Card skimming can affect anyone who uses a credit or debit card at ATMs, gas stations, retail stores or restaurants – pretty much anywhere you can physically use your credit card.

In this post, we will share everything you need to know about skimming so you don’t end up a victim of fraud.

What is skimming?

 A skimmer is a card reader that can be disguised as part of an ATM or gas pump card reader. The skimmer attachment collects card numbers and PIN codes, which are then replicated into counterfeit cards.

When you slide your card into an ATM/card reader with a skimmer attached, you’re unwittingly sliding it through the counterfeit reader, which scans and stores all your information from the magnetic strip and captures your PIN from the keypad. This makes skimmers particularly dangerous compared to other forms of card compromise because the collected card data can be used to make ATM cash withdrawals.

How can you check for a skimmer?

 The most frequently used methods of skimming are used on the card reader insert area. Before using an ATM, be observant of the following parts of the ATM:

• PIN keypad
• Card insert slot

When visiting an ATM, check these parts for:

• Tape and/or sticky glue residue on any part of the ATM
• Bulkiness on the card insert area or the PIN keypad
• Anything hanging from the ATM
• Wiggle the card slot or keypad for loose-fitting attachments

So how can you spot a skimmer and reduce your risk of card fraud during travel?

1. Look before you insert your card.
   Before you slide your card into a fuel pump or ATM, look at the keyboard and card reader.
   Does anything look different than an ATM you’ve used before?
   Thieves can use a 3-D printer to create a new keyboard on top of the real one. The keyboard might look different from the rest of the ATM. The keys may appear largerIs the seal broken on fuel pumps? To place a skimmer inside a fuel pump, fraudsters must open the fuel dispenser door to insert the skimmer.Station employees may place serial-numbered security tape across the dispenser door, so check to see if the tape has been broken, according to NACS, the Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing. If there’s no tape, check to see if the dispenser door looks as though it has been forced open.

   Also, look inside the throat of the card reader to see if you can spot anything hidden there. A skimmer inside a gas pump or ATM can steal the information off the magnetic stripe of your credit card or debit card.

2. Move on if something doesn’t feel right.
   Wiggle the ATM card reader to see if it’s loose. The thieves might place a card reader on top of the existing one. You should also be wary if inserting your credit or debit card is hard.
   Some victims of gas station credit card skimming have remembered that the card reader had a weird feeling like the slot had been tampered with.
3. Use your phone: Apps now can alert you to possible skimmers.
   A free Skimmer Scanner Android app scans for available Bluetooth connections looking for a device with the title HC-05. If found, the app will attempt to connect using the default password of 1234. Once connected, the letter ‘P’ will be sent. If a response of ‘M,’ then there is a very high likelihood there is a skimmer in the Bluetooth range of your phone (5 to 15 feet).If your smartphone detects a skimmer, use a different pump or another gas station.How does Bluetooth relate to skimmers? In the past, people had to return to the fuel pump or ATM to retrieve skimmers. That’s not always the case now. Thieves have begun to use Bluetooth technology to glean your credit card or debit card information. The crime is called bluesnarfing or blue skimming, and the crooks can sit 100 yards away in their vehicle while credit and debit card information is transmitted to their laptop.
4. Use fuel pumps and ATMs in safe places.
   Avoid gas pumps out of sight of the clerk and ATMs in areas with little traffic. Be cautious at non bank ATMs, such as convenience stores or nightclubs. Security is tighter at banks as they have cameras everywhere.When you’re at an ATM, always cover the keyboard when you type your PIN. There might be a new brochure box containing literature next to the ATM, which is set up to conceal a pinhole camera. They can use the camera to record you as you key in your PIN.These are just a few ways to help protect you from becoming a victim of card skimming fraud. If you suspect you’ve come across a skimmer or have fallen victim, please reach out and we will be there to help every step of the way.

Pillar Bank is here to help you and answer any questions you have concerning Cyber security. We care about you and your money. If you have a feeling something isn’t right, or you see suspicious activity on your account, don’t hesitate to give us a call!