Plastic devices almost seamlessly added to the front of automatic teller machines can help thieves steal your financial info and money. The card skimmer and pinhole camera device fits right onto the front of the ATM machine, leaving customers completely clueless. This is a way for scammers to trick their victims because the device is barely detectable. The device contains a microchip, several batteries, a camera and an SD card.
Once the credit card skimmers retrieve your information, the contents of your bank account can be transferred to other accounts, new credit cards can be opened in your name and purchases can be made with your credit and debit cards. In addition to ATM machines, these devices can be attached to other places, such as gas stations where you use your debit and credit cards. When you swipe your credit card, the data on the card’s magnetic stripe is saved onto a file.
The thief then retrieves the information from the skimmer and has access to your financial information. The camera that is attached to the device is for the attackers to record your PIN number. In order to avoid getting scammed, there are a few ways you can try to detect whether a skimmer is attached to the ATM or gas pump pay machine.
1. Check for signs of tampering on the ATM. If things don’t seem to be aligned properly or if a different color is used then the color of the ATM machine, it may have been tampered with.
2. Try pulling on the machine. ATMs should not have any pieces that wiggle – they are designed to be very strong.
3. Protect your PIN number. Always assume somebody is watching and hold your hand over the keypad while you are typing in the PIN number.
4. Use your card at busy locations. The thieves need to come back to retrieve the data, so they do not want to risk being seen and therefore often choose less conspicuous areas.
5. Report any fraudulent charges. If you think your card has been compromised, contact your credit card company and bank as soon as possible.
