Card skimmers steal your information when you put your card into any device. Whether you're using an ATM or paying for gas at the pump, your card number is at risk.
Consumers have gotten better at identifying card skimmers. Unfortunately, scammers are making skimmers that are harder and harder to notice. Krebs on Security features pictures of an extremely small ATM skimmer that was found at a California bank.
The newest generation of skimmers can fit into a thin plate that mounts on the face of an ATM. In addition to reading your card, it will film you as you enter your PIN and store that information.
What can you do about these skimmers? Unless you're going to avoid using cards, you can take a few steps to reduce the likelihood of trouble:
- Look for signs of tampering or anything that doesn't match
- Cover your fingers as you enter your PIN
- Review your accounts regularly and look for unauthorized transactions
[via Consumerist]
Further reading:
- Skimming Scam Basics
- Getting a Student Loan Without a Cosigner
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