How to Protect Yourself from Skimmers at ATMs and Payment Terminals
A skimmer is a type of credit card scanner that captures the information on the magnetic stripe of a credit or debit card. Skimmers are often placed on ATMs, gas pumps, and other payment terminals to steal sensitive information such as card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes. This information can then be used to create counterfeit cards or to make fraudulent purchases online.
Q: How do skimmers work?
A: Skimmers work by capturing the magnetic stripe data from a credit or debit card as it is inserted into an ATM or payment terminal. The skimmer can be placed over the existing card reader on the machine, and it can capture the data from the magnetic stripe as the card is inserted. This data can then be stored on a separate device, such as a flash drive, or it can be transmitted wirelessly to a remote location.
Q: How can I protect myself from skimmers?
A: There are several ways you can protect yourself from skimmers:
1. Check the ATM or payment terminal before using it. Look for any signs of tampering, such as scratches or stickers that don't match the rest of the machine. Also, give the card reader a slight tug before inserting your card to make sure it is securely attached.
2. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Use your free hand or a piece of paper to cover the keypad as you enter your PIN to prevent cameras or onlookers from seeing your PIN.
3. Use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit card transactions are generally safer than debit card transactions because they offer more protection against fraud.
4. Monitor your account regularly. Check your bank statements and credit card statements frequently to detect any suspicious activity.
5. Use a mobile wallet. Consider using a mobile wallet like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Samsung Pay, which use tokenization to protect your credit card information.
6. Use a card with a chip. Credit cards with chips are generally more secure than those with magnetic stripes.
7. Avoid using public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks may not be secure, so it's best to avoid using them when accessing sensitive information like your bank account.
8. Keep your software and operating system up to date. Make sure your computer, phone, and other devices are running the latest software and operating systems to protect against known vulnerabilities.
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