Steps To Control Credit Card Skimming
Credit Card skimming is a type of Credit card theft where crooks use a small device to steal credit card information in an otherwise legitimate Debit or Credit card transaction. When a card is swiped through skimmer, the device captures and stores all the details stored in the card's magnetic stripe. The stripe contains the Credit card number, expiry date and the Holder's full name. Thieves use the stolen data to make fraudulent charges either through online or with a counterfeit credit card.
Credit card skimmers are often placed over the card swipe mechanism on ATMs and Gas stations,
but the skimmers can be placed on almost any type of card reader. With ATMs, small undetectable camera may also be placed nearby to record you entering your PIN. This gives all the information needed to make fake cards and draw cash from Cardholder's account. Occasionally, we hand over card to a worker in a restaurant or retail store to cover the check. The person walks away with the card and, for a dishonest worker, this is the perfect opportunity to swipe the card through a skimmer without being detected.
SPOT CREDIT CARD SKIMMER - Such devices are crafted to blend in seamlessly with the machine it is placed on. So, always look for credit card skimmer anywhere you swipe your card, especially at ATMs and Gas stations.
Following are some ways to detect Credit Card Skimming Devices -
1) Skimmers are designed to fit over the existing card reader. This is especially the case when an
additional part seems to be affixed to the rest of the Credit Card reader.If something looks out
of the ordinary, avoid payment at the pump, pay inside or go to other gas station.
2) Parts of the Credit Card reader are loose or move when jiggled. The credit card reader should
be securely in place. Moving parts are a sign the reader has been tampered with or that a
skimming device has been affixed to the existing reader.
3) Security seal that has been voided.Gas stations often place a security label across the Gas pump
that lets you know if the cabinet panel on the fuel dispenser has been tampered with. When
intact,label has a flat red, blue or black background. Once the seal is broken, the words 'void
open' appears in white. If the seal is broken, it is a sign that someone has accessed the cabinet
without authorization. Do not use credit card at that pump.
4) A Pin Pad that's thicker than Normal - In addition to skimming device, a fake keypad on the top
of real one may be placed to capture your keystrokes. By doing this, Pin or Billing Zip code is
captured in addition to Debit or Credit card details. If the keys seem hard to push, eject your card
and use another ATM. Use a bank-operated ATM which is less likely to have a skimmer, rather
than an ATM at a Gas station or store.
5) Watch where you shop - Restaurants, Gas stations, Stores, Bars, standalone ATMs (those which
are not at the bank) are places where skimmers can be found.
Always keep an eye on your Credit card account and check balance.
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Credit card skimmers are often placed over the card swipe mechanism on ATMs and Gas stations,
but the skimmers can be placed on almost any type of card reader. With ATMs, small undetectable camera may also be placed nearby to record you entering your PIN. This gives all the information needed to make fake cards and draw cash from Cardholder's account. Occasionally, we hand over card to a worker in a restaurant or retail store to cover the check. The person walks away with the card and, for a dishonest worker, this is the perfect opportunity to swipe the card through a skimmer without being detected.
SPOT CREDIT CARD SKIMMER - Such devices are crafted to blend in seamlessly with the machine it is placed on. So, always look for credit card skimmer anywhere you swipe your card, especially at ATMs and Gas stations.
Following are some ways to detect Credit Card Skimming Devices -
1) Skimmers are designed to fit over the existing card reader. This is especially the case when an
additional part seems to be affixed to the rest of the Credit Card reader.If something looks out
of the ordinary, avoid payment at the pump, pay inside or go to other gas station.
2) Parts of the Credit Card reader are loose or move when jiggled. The credit card reader should
be securely in place. Moving parts are a sign the reader has been tampered with or that a
skimming device has been affixed to the existing reader.
3) Security seal that has been voided.Gas stations often place a security label across the Gas pump
that lets you know if the cabinet panel on the fuel dispenser has been tampered with. When
intact,label has a flat red, blue or black background. Once the seal is broken, the words 'void
open' appears in white. If the seal is broken, it is a sign that someone has accessed the cabinet
without authorization. Do not use credit card at that pump.
4) A Pin Pad that's thicker than Normal - In addition to skimming device, a fake keypad on the top
of real one may be placed to capture your keystrokes. By doing this, Pin or Billing Zip code is
captured in addition to Debit or Credit card details. If the keys seem hard to push, eject your card
and use another ATM. Use a bank-operated ATM which is less likely to have a skimmer, rather
than an ATM at a Gas station or store.
5) Watch where you shop - Restaurants, Gas stations, Stores, Bars, standalone ATMs (those which
are not at the bank) are places where skimmers can be found.
Always keep an eye on your Credit card account and check balance.
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