You rarely let your credit card out of your sight, so how do thieves get your credit card information? Some may get it from a friend waiting tables at a restaurant, but many credit card thieves get your card information using a device called a Credit Card Skimmer.

A credit card skimmer is a portable capture device that is attached in front of or on top of the legitimate scanner.  The skimmer passively records the card data as you insert your credit card into the real scanner. So, how can you detect and avoid having your credit card skimmed at the ATM or gas pump?

1.            Inspect the card reader and the area near the PIN pad. Most skimming devices are designed to be temporarily affixed to the ATM or gas pump so they can be easily retrieved by the bad guys once they’ve collected a batch of cardholder data. If you think the scanning device doesn’t look like it matches the machine’s color and style, it might be a skimmer.

2.            Look at other nearby gas pumps or ATM card readers to see if they match the one you are using. Unless skimmers are running a large operation, they probably are only skimming at one gas pump at a time at the station you are using. Look at the pump next to yours to see if the card reader and set up look different. If they do then you might have just spotted a skimmer.

3.            Trust your instincts. If in doubt, use another machine somewhere else. If you get a sense that something looks off about the ATM you are about to use, you might be better off using one that you feel more comfortable with.

4.            Avoid using your PIN at the gas pump. When you pay at the pump with your debit/credit card, you usually have the option to use it as a credit or a debit card. It’s best to choose the credit option that allows you to avoid entering your PIN in sight of a card skimmer camera.

5.            Keep an eye on your accounts. If you suspect that you might have had your card skimmed. Keep an eye on your account balance and report any suspicious activity immediately.