An ATM skimmer is a card reader installed by thieves that can read your credit card and take your credit or debit card information. The information is used to conduct fraud, but a simple check before inserting your card into an ATM or other payment device should help prevent it.
This article will go over how to spot an ATM skimmer and how to protect yourself from fraud.
Key Takeaways
- ATM skimmers are designed to steal your debit and credit card information when you insert your card into an ATM.
- ATM skimmers can be spotted if the ATM looks tampered with or if it's loosely installed.
- Avoid ATM skimmers by checking for tampering, applying mild force to the card slot, using tap, and only using trusted ATMs.
What is an ATM skimmer?
A credit card skimmer is a device commonly attached to an ATM, gas pump, or any other place where you may insert your card to make a payment or withdraw money. These devices record your card information, including your credit card number.
Normally, these devices go on top of the actual device where you insert your card and are designed to look the same as the normal place you'd insert your card.
More elaborate skimmers can go on top of payment terminals at stores, which can record your PIN. Your PIN can also be recorded with small hidden cameras or thermal cameras that sense the "warmed up" buttons on a PIN pad.
How to spot an ATM skimmer
Skimmers may blend in very well with the surrounding ATMs. Fraudsters have designed them to mimic the look from a distance and catch those who aren't careful.
Before inserting your card into an ATM, check for any malformations or evidence of tampering around the area. If anything appears to be loose, it may be because someone has added a skimmer on top of the insertion area. Check your ATM with other ATMs at the branch or in the area. If yours looks different, use a different ATM.
How to avoid ATM skimmers
Here are some tips to avoid ATM skimmers (or card skimmers in general):
- Always check carefully for any weird signs of tampering before inserting your credit card into any machine.
- Try to stick to trusted banks' ATMs when possible.
- If there is a contactless payment (tap) option, use that instead.
- If a machine looks to have been tampered with, try jiggling the suspected skimmer – if it feels loose or comes off, it may be a skimmer.
- Protect your PIN from cameras by blocking it as you type it in and wipe the keypad immediately after with your fingers to avoid any thermal cameras.
- When in doubt, don't use the machine and try a different one.
Protecting yourself from an ATM skimmer
We hope this guide was helpful in terms of avoiding getting hit by a common scam. Even if you're extra-vigilant, fraud can still happen. As a reminder, if you ever suspect that there's fraud afoot, be sure to contact your bank immediately.
Have any stories of ATM skimmers that you'd like to share? Our readers would definitely benefit from your advice, so be sure to drop it in the comments below.
FAQ
What does a skimmer look like on an ATM?
An ATM skimmer can be disguised quite well and camouflage when installed on an ATM. The most common signs are mismatched plastic parts or a loose attachment. You should always check for any design flaws on the ATM and wiggle the slot to ensure nothing is attached.
How does an ATM skimmer work?
An ATM skimmer goes on top of the slot where you insert your credit card. It has some basic electronics that can read the magnetic stripe on your card, and may also employ a fake PIN pad on top of the normal one to collect your PIN as well.
What do I do if I suspect I got skimmed?
You should call your bank immediately. You should also contact the police for assistance if any funds get stolen.
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