Each time you swipe a legitimate-looking gadget, scammers have a chance to take your debit and credit card details using a skimmer. A layperson cannot recognize it at one glance, and this can lead to a tremendous financial loss.

Although gas stations and ATMs are the most popular spots for scammers, grocery stores and restaurants may also be targets of these scams. So, it’s essential to have complete knowledge about credit card skimmers to detect and escape these nasty devices. Let’s jump into the details of these skimmers!

What are Credit Card Skimmers?

Credit card skimmers are the physical devices that are put on a retailer's card reader to steal information from debit, credit, EBT, and benefit cards. The thieves who employ credit card skimmers may then either manufacture duplicate cards that they might utilize to make withdrawals or transactions, or they can sell the card data they have stolen.

The credit card skimmers are usually fitted into the card reader's slot or positioned on top of the reader. You might put or slide your card through some of them that are so tiny and well-hidden that you never even notice they're there.

When you do, your name, card number, and card’s expiry date are among the details the gadget grabs from the card. Sometimes, a fake keypad is put over the real one to capture your keystrokes, or a small camera is positioned alongside to record the PIN as you enter it.

How to Spot Credit Card Simmers?

Sometimes, spotting credit card skimmers can be challenging, but you can identify them by physical and visual inspection.

1. Check for alignment problems between the credit card scanner and the panel beneath it before operating an ATM. Credit card skimmers are frequently positioned above the card reader itself, making it protrude at an unusual angle or hiding panel arrows.
2. It's recommended to compare the device you're utilizing with others in the vicinity. For instance, if you're at a petrol pump and observe that the slot for your card extends a few inches further than the pump next to you, avoid using your credit card at that place.
3. The process of installation of credit card skimmers can damage the card reader. It's wise to proceed with caution if you see anything unusual or if the equipment appears to have been tampered with.
4. Since genuine card readers are well-constructed, any component that is easily movable has most likely been inserted by the thief. That moveable part may be a skimmer, so in such a situation, try another ATM.
5. Adhesives are used to hold skimmers are sometimes held in place, so if you spot stickiness or residue on your card or around the reader after usage, that should raise some red flags.

Ways to Avoid Credit Card Skimmers

Still, if you believe that spotting a credit card skimmer can be tricky for you, here are some ways or tips that can help you in avoiding credit card skimmers.

Hide Your Personal Details

Hiding the keypad with one hand each time you input your PIN is one of the simplest and easiest ways of avoiding credit card skimmers. This is to ensure that your actions are not recorded even if a hidden camera is present alongside the card reader.

Beware of the Nonbank ATMs

This is because, according to a report, 60% of skimming happens at privately held ATMs. These are usually cash-dispensing machines that can be found at grocery shops, restaurants, bars, and convenience stores for the customer’s convenience.

Handle Your Card by Yourself

Never hand over your card to anyone who offers to clean the magnetic strip or chip of your card so that it may work properly. Never fall for such people. This may be a scam. There is a possibility that such people may use your card for fraudulent transactions.

Check the Keypad

If you notice any increase in the thickness of the keypad or if its buttons are hard to press, avoid using it. It may be a fraudulent keypad, or a credit card skimmer installed by a scammer.

Monitor your Account Regularly

Don’t wait for your account statement that will come after an entire month. Monitor your account regularly using mobile banking applications and report to the bank if you see anything suspicious.

Enable Alerts from the Bank

Enabling the alerts will help you to become aware of any mysterious transaction happening using the card. You will receive an alert message as soon as the transaction occurs.

Trust Your Instincts

If you are dubious and don’t feel like using the machine or card reader, go for another one without thinking much about it. Trust your instincts if anything suspicious happens.

What if your Card has been Skimmed?

If you notice that your card has been skimmed, don’t panic. Stay calm and follow these tips:

• Call the bank and inform them as soon as possible.
• Block your card immediately to avoid transactions if you doubt that your card has been skimmed.
• Cancel your card and ask for a replacement if the thief has succeeded in obtaining your personal information.
• Reach out to the ATM or the business owner where you think credit card skimmers were present.
• Report to the police immediately if in case of any monetary loss.

Wrapping Up!

Scammers have been looting people by using this tactic for years. Anyone can fall prey to this nasty act of credit card skimming. Spotting credit card skimmers is no big deal. Simple visual and physical inspection can help in this regard. But even if you fail to spot it, you can easily avoid it by staying vigilant.

Look for anything that appears dubious or suspicious to you. Observe the card reader and ATM keenly and check for the authenticity of the keypad to avoid credit card skimming. But still, if you think that your card is compromised, then contact the bank as soon as possible, and in case of any financial loss, don’t hesitate to reach out to the police and seek help.