ATM Skimming

What is skimming? According to the ATM industry Association, card skimming, which can also occur with other types of point-of sale devices, is defined as ‘the unauthorized capture of magnetic stripe information by modifying the hardware or software of a payment device, or through the use of a separate card reader’. Crooks often also capture PIN data and then create counterfeit cards in order to drain victims accounts.
Common Locations – of skimmers:

Hotels
Gas Stations pay at the pump
Restaurants
Affixed to vestibule access
The criminals target high volume locations
Drive- through ATMs
Large Cities
Tourist areas
Affluent neighborhoods
ATM’s near cash bars cash only
Locations lacking surveillance
Locations with limited inspections
Weekend installations- mobile ATMs on site at big events

Tips to fight ATM Skimming:

Be wary of anything about the ATM that looks out of the ordinary, such as odd-looking equipment or wires attached.
Look for a “no tampering” sign. Crooks often place these to stop anyone curious about a new piece of equipment.
Steer clear of a jammed ATM that forces customers to use another ATM nearby that may have a skimmer attached.
Always protect your PIN: don’t give the number to anyone, and shield the keypad with your hand or paper while you are entering your PIN.
Use secure ATM machines that have a visible camera or inside of a building. They’re less likely to be tampered with.
Examine the ATM closely before inserting your ATM card. Look for ATMs where the slots seem to protrude or be out of alignment with the rest of the opening.
Put your hands on it and see if you can move the slot where you insert your card making sure it is solid and sturdy.
If ever in doubt, use the bank’s drive up window or simply walk into the bank to conduct the transaction to prevent ATM skimming scams. Also if something about the ATM looks suspicious, if possible notify the financial institution that owns the ATM.

Monitor your accounts regularly. If you think you are a victim of skimming, your best defense is awareness of your own financial accounts. Regular monitoring will keep you on top of any suspicious activity that may occur as the result of a compromised card. Reporting fraudulent activity to your financial Institution as quickly as possible gives you the best possible chance to recover your losses.