Skimming is a very common method of identity theft. It can pretty much happen anywhere you use your credit or debit cards.
Skimming is basically the act of storing your card information on a electronic device when it is scanned at the time of purchase or use. Just like there is more than one way to skin a cat, there is more than one way to skim your cards. In this article you’ll find all the warning signs of possible skimming and what you could do toe prevent and protect against skimming.
You may think, “Hey, I’ll know if I’m scanning my card through a legitimate device or not.” and you may be wrong. Skimming devices can be either external or internal and identity thieves take quite a bit of precaution to keep them hidden.
With external skimmers many times they’ll be located on the theif. For example, you have just bought something but the clerk had to run it at the register because the machine is ‘out of order’. He/she’s holding your card and waiting for it to clear, they reach down to scratch their ankle, card in hand, they give you a receipt and your card and you go on your merry way. Did you notice anything? There is a chance that the clerk has a skimming device strapped to his/her ankle and when they went to ’scratch’ they were really swiping your card.
Now I’m not saying you should run around accusing anyone of this behavior if they are simply scratching an itch but I do recommend you remain active about it. If something suspicious ever takes place with your card it’s best to check your balance more frequently for the next couple of months. This way if you see any fraudulent activity you can take the appropriate steps right away.
With internal skimmers there is usually a device built into the device. It could be built on to the card reader, or it could be attached to the phone line that sends the information to the bank when the charge is processed. Either way, with this type of skimming you really have no way to detect anything fishy.
As a simple rule it’s best to stick with regular ATM’s, stores, and restaurants when ever possible. Perhaps you could take a few extra minutes to run to your banks, indoor, ATM and withdrawal cash when you know you are going to spend. This helps reduce the potential for skimming greatly.
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