How to Check for Credit Card Skimmers
Empower yourself to protect your financial security. Learn how to identify and avoid credit card skimming threats at payment terminals.
Credit card skimmers are hidden devices designed to steal your payment card information during a transaction. These tools can be discreetly installed, making them difficult to spot. Vigilance against skimmers protects your financial data from theft and fraud. The FBI reports skimmers cost financial institutions and consumers over $1 billion annually.
Understanding Skimmer Types
Credit card skimmers can be found at locations like ATMs, gas pumps, and point-of-sale (POS) terminals in retail stores. They are designed to blend in with legitimate equipment, making them hard to detect.
One common type is an overlay skimmer, which is placed directly on top of the original card reader and may appear slightly bulkier or misaligned. Internal skimmers, on the other hand, are installed inside the machine and are not visible from the outside, making them harder to identify. Keypad overlays are fake keypads placed over the real one to capture your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Criminals may also use tiny hidden cameras (pinhole cameras) positioned to record your PIN entry. These cameras can be disguised as part of the machine’s existing structure or even as unusual objects nearby.
Physical Inspection Methods
A physical inspection of card readers can reveal skimmers. Begin by gently wiggling the card reader, keypad, and surrounding panels. Legitimate parts feel secure and firmly attached, while a skimmer may feel loose or detachable.
Examine the card slot for unusual colors, textures, or materials that do not match the machine. Look for misalignments, abnormally protruding parts, or signs of adhesive residue around the card reader. Gas pumps have security seals; if a seal appears broken or shows “void,” it indicates tampering, and the machine should not be used.
Inspect the keypad for signs of an overlay, such as unusual thickness, a spongy feel, or raised buttons. Scan the area around the card reader for tiny holes or unusual objects that could conceal a hidden camera aimed at the PIN pad. Compare the card reader to others at the same location, like neighboring gas pumps, to spot discrepancies.
Electronic and Digital Indicators
Beyond physical signs, electronic or digital cues can suggest a compromised machine. Some advanced skimmers use Bluetooth technology to wirelessly transmit stolen card data. Direct detection of these signals can be challenging, but an overall sense that a machine is behaving unusually should prompt caution.
Trust your instincts if the transaction process feels off. If a machine malfunctions or presents unexpected prompts, it can indicate interference. If you notice anything suspicious, stop the transaction and find an alternative payment method or location.
Actions After Detection
If you suspect or confirm a credit card skimmer, take immediate action. Do not use the suspected machine. Promptly inform the staff at the establishment, such as a gas station attendant or store manager.
Contact your local law enforcement agency’s non-emergency number to report the device, providing details about its appearance and location. Also notify your financial institution (bank or credit card company) about the potential compromise, even if you did not complete a transaction. They can monitor your account for suspicious activity, issue a new card, and provide further guidance. If safe, taking a clear photograph of the suspected skimmer can provide helpful documentation for authorities and your financial institution.