What Is Card Skimming and How Can You Avoid It?

Electronic skimmers use small handheld Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) reading devices. An RFID reading device anywhere in your vicinity can steal your debit or credit card information. The payment information is stored on the skimmer and can be collected or transferred wirelessly to the criminal’s computer. Once criminals have your payment information, they can use it for online purchases, card cloning, or Internet black markets, which sell your information to other criminals to commit fraud.

To prevent compromised debit and credit card information from skimming and shimming devices, consider the following tips from Frandsen Bank & Trust Information Security Officer Kurt Krueger.

Identify Skimming Devices

Before using an ATM or gas pump, inspect the card reader for signs of tampering.

• Scratched reader

• The color scheme does not match the associated bank or business

• Reader alignment issues

• Wiggle the card reader and keypad to see if it easily comes out of place

• You experience resistance when you insert your card

• Buttons are hard to push – this could indicate a touchpad overlay

• Gas pump security tape ripped or broken

What To Do If You Suspect Skimming

If you see any of these warning signs, find another ATM or pay inside at a gas station.

Protect Yourself from Electronic Skimming

Try using an ATM in a well-lit, indoor area or at a bank, as non-bank ATMs are more susceptible to skimming. Frandsen Bank & Trust’s ATMs are protected with skimming detectors and anti-tamper sensors. Some ATMs have skimmer disrupters that block skimming devices.

• Use special RFID protective covers or wallets

• Keep two contactless cards together

• Cover they keypad when entering your PIN

• Use mobile payment apps like Apple or Google Pay

• Use contactless tap-and-go cards

• Warning: because a pin is not used with contactless cards, they are considered high risk if lost or stolen.

• At restaurants or retail, try not to let your card out of your possession or, at a minimum, always keep your card in sight.

It's equally important to monitor your bank account for any suspicious activity. There is a small window to recover funds. Report any unusual activity to your bank immediately! Account alerts can be an essential way to protect yourself from all types of fraud. Frandsen Bank & Trust offers that can notify you via email, text, online banking, or push notifications through our mobile banking application.

Skimming technology is constantly improving. The devices are getting smaller and more sophisticated. Be vigilant and look for tampering before inserting your card into any point-of-sale device. Monitor and set up alerts on your bank account and report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.