How can you recognize an ATM skimming device?

One of the steps we encourage our members to take to protect themselves from fraud is to pay attention to their surroundings when using their credit and debit cards in public. We want our members to protect their PINs from other people’s prying eyes and cameras.

The best way to protect your PIN is to shield the keypad while you enter it. This should be your general MO whenever you enter your PIN into an ATM – or the keypad at a store checkout or gas pump. That way, the person behind you in line can’t see your PIN. Covering your keystrokes also gives you protection from cameras installed near the ATM. While this simple step goes a long way to protecting yourself at ATMs, learning more about ATM skimmers and how to avoid them is also important to protect yourself.

What you’ll learn:

• ATM skimming devices in action
• What ATM skimming devices look like
• Protecting yourself from ATM skimmers
• E-skimming is also a risk

ATM skimming devices in action

Another way to avoid fraud when using your debit card is to be on the lookout for skimming devices. But how many of us know how to recognize an ATM skimmer when we see one?

Sadly, most of us don’t. The FBI estimates that skimming costs consumers and financial institutions over $1 billion annually, meaning becoming a victim is more likely than some realize.

What ATM skimming devices look like

Unfortunately, there are multiple types of ATM skimmers to watch out for. Recent technological advancements such as 3D printing have made producing and hiding these devices easier for criminals. Still, there are common methods of skimming to look out for:

• A device that subtly overlays the card reader to capture your card’s data.
• Small hidden cameras to record your PIN.
• A hidden overlay on the keypad to record your PIN.

Protecting yourself from ATM skimmers

While you can’t guarantee you’ll stay free of ATM skimmers, these best practices will lower your chances of becoming a victim.

• Before using an ATM, carefully inspect it for any signs of damage, loose parts, alteration or anything else unusual.
• Use debit and credit cards with tap/chip technology, which is more secure than the traditional magnetic strip.
• Consider the ATM’s location and how easy installing a skimmer would be. An ATM in a store in view of employees is less likely to be tampered with than one outdoors in a low-traffic area.
• Gently pry at the edges of the keypad and card reader, checking if it feels like something is covering it.
• Regularly monitor transactions for cards and accounts you use at ATMs.

If you ever notice something you think is a skimmer, notify the store or bank where you see the suspicious device. That way, they can check and hopefully save someone else from being skimmed and scammed.

E-skimming is also a risk

While ATM skimming traditionally involves a physical ATM, criminals now employ similar tactics online to steal information. Instead of a physical device, this typically involves malicious code that secretly records your credit or debit card information while going through the checkout page on an e-commerce website.

To minimize your risk, use digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, which add an extra layer of security. Additionally, be vigilant in what websites you enter your card information into.

The prospect of having your financial information stolen is disturbing, but knowing how to minimize your risk of ATM skimming goes a long way to protecting yourself. The FBI also recently published an article on ATM skimming that includes photos of several types of skimmers and an infographic explaining what to look for in detail. If you want to learn more about skimming devices, consider this your next stop.