Articles - Archived Feature

ATM Skimming Devices: Don't get scammed

Every once in a while, you may hear a story on the local news alerting you that a skimming device was discovered at an area automated teller machine (ATM). Unnoticed by most people, skimming devices are small, well-hidden and/or camouflaged electronic devices that illegally capture your personal information when you swipe your card.

Most commonly, it all begins with the thief neatly placing a device over the card slot on the ATM. Then, a small pinhole camera is installed somewhere that will allow it to record the keypad and screen. When you insert or swipe your card, the device captures the information contained on the magnetic strip on the back of your card, while the camera captures you entering your personal identification number (PIN). When your transaction is complete, the thief has learned your account information, as well as how to access the account. From there, they can create a fake card with direct access to your checking account.

So, how is it the unsuspecting ATM user never knows this is happening? The skimming devices are actually made to look like they are part of the machine, while the cameras are often concealed in a mirror, in a nearby box housing brochures, or attached to the side of the ATM facing the keypad. Since the ATM works normally with the devices in place, the victim remains unaware their information is being stolen.

Here are few things to help you spot and/or prevent this scam:

1. Be observant. Make sure nothing on the ATM looks out of place. A gentle pull on a piece of odd-looking equipment may reveal a skimming device. Often, they are attached using only double-sided tape.
2. Be wary of an ATM that is jammed or has an "out of order" sign. These may be ways of forcing you to use a nearby ATM that has a skimmer attached.
3. Check your accounts regularly to make sure there are no unusual or unauthorized transactions. If there is anything suspicious, contact your financial institution immediately.
4. Protect your PIN by covering the keypad while it’s being entered.
5. Try to carry out your ATM transactions during daylight hours, as most ATM-related crimes happen after dark.

As always, anytime you feel you have stumbled onto something suspicious at the ATM, call not only your financial institution, but also your local police. Help put a stop to the skim scam!