What Is Card Skimming and How Can You Avoid It?

February 15, 2024

by Kurt Krueger

Kurt Krueger | Information Security Officer
Frandsen Financial Corporation

Electronic skimmers use small handheld Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) reading devices. An RFID reading device anywhere in your vicinity can steal your 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 using the following tips from Frandsen Bank & Trust.
Identifying skimming devices:
Before using an ATM or gas pump, check for the following:
  • Inspect the card reader for signs of tampering.
    • Scratched reader.
    • The color scheme does not match the associated bank.
    • 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 (Shimmer)
  • Buttons are hard to push (This could indicate a touchpad overlay)
  • Gas pump security tape ripped or broken.
Preventatives:
If you see any of these warning signs, find another ATM or pay inside at a gas station. Try using an ATM in a well-lit, indoor area or at a bank. Non-bank ATMs are more at risk for skimming. Frandsen Bank & Trust’s ATMs are protected with skimming detectors and anti-tamper sensors. Some ATMs have skimmer disrupters that block skimming devices.  

Protect yourself from electronic skimming with special RFID protective covers or wallets. Having two contactless cards together can also prevent electronic skimming.
Other measures that you can use to protect yourself from skimming are:
  • Cover fingers with the other hand when entering the pin to block potential cameras.
  • 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.
Finally, 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 Notifi alerts that can notify you via email, text, online banking, or push notifications through our mobile banking application.
Alerts range from:
  • Security
  • Balance Transactions
  • Transfers
  • ATM/Debit card alerts
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. 

 

Related Posts

You are about to leave the Frandsen Bank Website.

The site you have selected is an external one located on another server. Frandsen Bank has no responsibility for any external website. It neither endorses the information, content, presentation, or accuracy, nor makes any warranties, express or implied, regarding the external site. Thank you for visiting Frandsen Bank.

Open a New Deposit Account

If you wish enroll in online banking, please click "Cancel" and navigate to the "Enroll in Online Banking" button below "Log In".

If you wish to open a new deposit account, please click "Proceed".

Thank you for banking with Frandsen Bank & Trust!

You are about to leave the Frandsen Bank Website.

The site you have selected is an external one located on another server. Frandsen Bank has no responsibility for any external website. It neither endorses the information, content, presentation, or accuracy, nor makes any warranties, express or implied, regarding the external site. Thank you for visiting Frandsen Bank.