Thieves are improving their ways to steal your money and your bank data. One of the most common is called skimming and it happens in ATMs, which seem to be safe but they can copy your card data and your PIN number in just seconds. This way thieves can clone your card and empty your bank accounts. If you don’t want this to happen to you, you’d better keep reading this article to know how to protect yourself from thieves and what to do in case you are stolen.
Skimmer
A skimmer is a small device that thieves put on credit card readers of ATMs. They seem like a normal piece, so it’s difficult to notice them at first sight. Basically, when you insert your card, the device copies the information from the magnetic stripe.
Wait, because that’s not all… many times thieves put hidden cameras or fake keypads to record your PIN number while you type it. With both of these elements, your card can be cloned and used in a bad way.
As you can see, these devices are very dangerous because the theft happens without you even noticing it. This is why experts recommend always checking the ATMs before using them.
Where thieves install the skimmers
Thieves tend to put skimmers on ATMs located in places where there’s little security such as: gas stations, hotels, and 24-hours stores. In these places, thieves can steal very fast without being caught because the installation of a skimmer can last less than a minute.
So, the best thing to do is to use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers, where cameras and staff reduce the risk of theft.
How to spot a skimmer on an ATM
Even though skimmers are getting more difficult to spot, there are some signs that help you identify them:
- Check the card reader: If it looks larger than normal, feels loose, or has glue residue, it might be fake.
- Examine the keypad: Raised, misaligned, or oddly covered keys may indicate a fake keypad.
- Look for hidden cameras: Tiny holes or unusual plastic pieces, especially above the keypad, could be cameras.
- Observe the surroundings: Avoid ATMs in isolated or poorly lit areas.
Tips against thieves
There are some simple actions that can significantly reduce the possibility of thieves stealing your money:
- Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN.
- Do not use the ATM if anything seems suspicious.
- Set up bank alerts to get notifications for each transaction.
What if you get your data stolen?
If you think your data were copied by a skimmer for whatever reason, you should:
- Call your bank immediately to cancel the card and report suspicious activity.
- File a police report and notify the ATM operator.
- Monitor your accounts over the following weeks for unusual activity.
- Consider placing a credit freeze if you fear your information has been misused.
Banks can help you recover the money you were stolen and offer you anti-fraud measures to protect future transactions. So, you’d better go to your bank and get informed about how they can reinforce your bank account.
To sum up
This skimming stealing method is very much used by thieves on ATMs, so you should follow all the previous recommendations we mentioned so that you prevent being one of their victims. I mean, the preventive measures are very easy and thieves will have more difficulty getting access to your money.
If you have ever experienced this horrible situation you know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea… However, now you know what to do so you don’t have to experience it anymore.