Travel Tips—How Do You Protect against Card Skimmers
Card skimming theft can affect anyone who uses their credit or debit cards at ATMs, gas stations, restaurants or retail stores. A skimmer is a device installed on card readers that collects card numbers. Skimmers can usually be spotted by doing quick visual or physical inspections before swiping or inserting a card. Security tape (or sticker) How to protect yourself You can spot a skimmer by watching out for anything that looks like it doesn’t belong on the ATM or card reader. For example, odd or mismatched colors , loose parts , or partially covered pieces could be an indication that a skimming device is present. Be on the lookout for suspicious devices attached to a card reader and avoid suspicious ATMs: Hidden camera Sometimes a tiny camera is planted to record cardholders entering a PIN number into an ATM One of the simplest things you can do is cover your keystrokes when entering your PIN, which will prevent any hidden cameras from spying on your PIN e...