What Does a Credit Card Skimmer Look Like?
Empower yourself to detect credit card skimmers. Understand the subtle signs and physical indicators to protect your financial security.
Credit card skimmers are illicit devices that capture credit or debit card information from payment terminals. These small, often inconspicuous devices are installed on or within legitimate card readers, allowing criminals to steal sensitive financial data. Hundreds of thousands of cards are compromised annually, underscoring the importance of identifying these threats to protect personal financial data.
Where Skimmers Are Commonly Found
Skimmers are frequently found at self-service terminals where consumers swipe or insert cards. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are common targets, particularly in isolated or less supervised areas. Gas pumps also present a significant risk, as skimmers can be installed internally, making them challenging to detect. Point-of-sale (POS) terminals, such as self-checkout machines, parking meters, vending machines, and public transportation kiosks, are also vulnerable. These unattended, high-traffic environments offer criminals opportunities to install and retrieve skimmers with less oversight.
Visual Characteristics of Skimmers
Skimmers often appear as an added layer or attachment over the existing card reader or PIN pad. They may cause the card slot or keypad to protrude more than expected or seem unusually bulky. A noticeable discrepancy in color or material, such as a slightly different shade of plastic or texture, can indicate tampering. Poor fit or alignment is another common sign; the attachment might not sit flush, revealing visible gaps, adhesive residue, or crooked graphics.
Tiny holes or bumps could indicate a hidden camera aimed at capturing PIN entries. These pinhole cameras are often discreetly placed above the keypad or in nearby fixtures. Keypad overlays, designed to record keystrokes, might feel spongy, unresponsive, or appear thicker than the legitimate keypad. For gas pumps, check for broken security seals on the dispenser panel; a “VOID” message on the tape indicates the machine may have been opened.
Physical and Functional Indications of Skimmers
Beyond visual checks, physical interaction with the machine can help reveal a skimmer. Gently pull or wiggle the card slot and keypad; legitimate components are securely attached and should not shift easily. If inserting your card feels unusually tight or difficult, requiring more force, this resistance could signal a skimmer.
Examine surrounding areas for loose panels, unusual wiring, or adhesive residue near the card reader or keypad. Compare the appearance and feel of the card reader and keypad to those on neighboring machines. If any part of the terminal feels different or looks out of place, avoid using that machine.
Steps to Take if You Identify a Skimmer
If you suspect or confirm a skimmer, do not use the machine. Report the device immediately to the location’s management, such as a store attendant or bank employee. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as tampering could destroy valuable evidence. Also, contact local law enforcement to file a report, providing all available information.
After encountering a suspected skimmer, monitor your financial accounts for unauthorized transactions. Set up transaction alerts with your bank or credit card issuer. Contact your card issuer or bank to report the potential compromise; they can cancel the affected card and issue a new one. Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports with the three major credit bureaus to help prevent new accounts from being opened. Change your PINs and passwords for any accounts that might have been exposed.