Credit Card Skimming Devices Exposed

Posted on June 1, 2011 | Leave a Comment

Credit card skimming is big business. Sometimes it happens when you hand your credit card to a service person who takes it to a remote location to be processed but more often than not, skimming victims helped the thieves all by themselves.

They place a device on ATM machines, gas machines and even Redbox video rental machines that fits right over where you put in your credit or debit card. They often do it so well that the device will stay in place for days before anyone notices.

These devices read the magnetic strip on your credit or debit card and store it for future retrieval.

And if you think you are safe because you are using a debit card, you are wrong.

First, most debit cards can be used as a credit card - which means that the data on the magnetic strip is all someone needs to make a fake credit card based on your debit card details. Second, many of the more sophisticated skimming thieves are installing microscopic cameras that record your pin number as you type it in. And with those two bits of information, they have unlimited access to your bank account.

The only way to be safe from such devices is to be aware of the machine you are using. Does it look tampered with in any way? Is any part of the machine a bit less professional looking than you would expect. Do any pieces not seem to fit correctly - especially around where you insert your credit card?

If anything looks wrong, you should report it to the management of the establishment where the machine is located. And if you noticed after you used your card, you should make a phone call to your credit card company or bank to make them aware of the situation so that they can take steps to protect you.

So what does a skimming machine look like? Well, they come in all shapes and sizes so its impossible to show all of them but the below video shows several and discusses ways to identify them. It’s only a few minutes long but is a great education on skimming devices.