Skimmers – devices designed to steal critical account information when installed by criminals anywhere customers use a card – have cost consumers and financial institutions more than $1 billion a year in losses.
The devices, which only take seconds to install and can be hard to detect, capture card data and record PIN entries that can either store data to be downloaded wirelessly or transmitted in real time to criminals.
Types of Skimming Scams
While skimmers can be installed anywhere a debit card is accepted, there are a few popular targets:
- Fuel Pumps: Originally designed to look like it is part of the pump, new skimmers are wired to the inside of the fuel pumps, making them invisible to customers.
- ATM and POS Terminals: Scammers will either install the skimmer internally or on top of the payment kiosk at grocery stores and other retailers. These scams also include pinhole cameras to record PIN entries, and a keylogging keypad overlay may also be installed to record keystrokes.
- Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card Skimming: Since 2021, EBT cards have become a high target for bad actors, as the public benefits cards tend not to have chips. The lack of extra security makes it easier to compromise and “cash out” the benefits.
Protect yourself and your card
Whether you are out getting gas or shopping in a store, here are some ways you can protect yourself from falling victim to a skimming scam.
- Inspect ATMs, POS terminals, and other card readers for anything unusual. If something seems off, don’t use it.
- Pull at the edges of the keypad before entering your PIN. Then, cover the keypad as fully as possible when you enter your PIN to prevent cameras from recording your entry. A pinhole camera may also be present anywhere on or around the terminal.
- Look for ATMs in a well-lit, indoor location. These may still be compromised but are less vulnerable targets.
- Routinely monitor your credit card, bank, EBT, or other benefits accounts and set up alerts to help you identify any unauthorized transactions.
- Always use a strong PIN. Avoid using PINs that may be easily guessed, such as strings of the same or consecutive numbers.
- Proactively review the account security options available for any payment cards you use. These options can include multi-factor authentication of transactions or freezing an account between your transactions. Contact your financial institution immediately if the ATM doesn’t return your card after you end or cancel a transaction.
If you believe you have fallen victim to a skimming scam while using your Jewett City Savings Bank debit card, visit your local office or call us at 860-376-4444.
Resource: Federal Bureau of Investigation
