How to Spot a Skimmer

What is a Credit Card Skimmer?

Skimmers are devices that enable thieves to steal card data and use if for fraudulent transactions.

These devices are created to look exactly like the ATM or gas pump the criminals are targeting. Once they are attached, the device reads the magnetic stripe on your credit or debit card when you slide it into a car reader. The skimmer stores the card number, expiration date and cardholder’s name.

Do Skimmers work on a Chip Card?

Yes. The magnetic strips are also on chip cards, so they are vulnerable to skimmers as well.

What Does a Credit Card Skimmer Look Like?

Credit card skimmers can be tough to spot, as they often look like regular card readers

Does the card reader look different from other card readers in the same location – for example a reader that is bigger at one gas pump than other nearby pumps?
Give it a wiggle. Readers with card skimmers attached may not feel as secure. If you are able to wiggle the reader, it could have a skimmer attached.

How do Skimmers get my PIN?

In addition to attaching a skimmer on top of the card reader, skimmers also attach a camera near the Pin Pad. This device also looks like part of the ATM or Gas Pump. It has a very small hole where a camera is taking pictures of the pin pad as you enter your pin number.

Here is a video explaining what to look for: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KolQY5cQWk