How to Protect Yourself From Card Skimmers
| Vickie Shellenberg | Professional Overview
Fewer people are using cash to pay for their purchases every day. With so many people relying on debit and credit cards daily, criminals have ramped up their efforts to gain access to your funds. A common way to do this is by using a card skimmer. These devices read and steal your card information when you use the card. Here are the four best ways to protect yourself from card skimmers.
Learn the Popular Techniques
Getting a good understanding of the popular card skimming techniques is the first step in learning to protect yourself. The most popular card skimming method is by placing a plastic overlay device on top of the card reader at an ATM or gas pump. These devices instantly give criminals your card information when you purchase an item. They may also place hidden cameras in an ATM to steal your card number.
Look for Signs of Tampering
Now that you know the popular card skimming methods, it is time to start looking for tampering signs when using a debit or credit card. Check the card reader to make sure it fits securely in the machine. Scratches on the card reader are another sign that a card skimmer may be present. Hidden cameras on ATMs can be spotted by looking for tiny holes or loose wires on the machine.
Avoid Remote ATMs and Gas Stations
It is a lot easier to install a card skimmer when nobody is around. It takes time to set up these devices, so criminals often opt to install them in remote locations. Since these areas are the prime targets for thieves, it is best to stick to ATMs and gas stations in busy places. Installing a card skimmer in an area that gets a lot of traffic is nearly impossible.
Regularly Monitor Your Accounts
Once a criminal has your card information, they will start making large purchases using your data. It is important to spot these charges as early as possible. This will give you time to cancel the card and fight the charges with your financial institution. The only way to spot fraudulent charges on time is by checking your accounts regularly.
Originally published at http://vickieshellenberg.net on March 24, 2021.
