Cybersecurity 
You can protect your digital footprint by deleting any accounts you no longer use, adjusting your privacy settings, avoiding oversharing on social media and using a
4 min read
Published on September 04, 2024
According to the FBI, credit card skimming costs individuals and banks approximately $1 billion annually. You can spot a credit card skimmer by searching for a tampered security seal, checking for misalignments, wiggling the card reader or looking inside the card reader.
Continue reading to learn more about credit card skimmers, how to spot them and what you can do if your card gets skimmed.
What is a credit card skimmer?
A credit card skimmer attaches to a card reader to scan credit or debit card information so a cybercriminal can steal your card information and commit fraud. You can spot a credit card skimmer because it is placed on top of the actual card reader. Credit card skimmers are usually placed at gas stations or ATMs to steal information because these places see a high volume of transactions from many people. Cybercriminals use credit card skimmers to steal your information and make fraudulent purchases, create fake credit cards or even sell your credit card information on the dark web.
5 ways to spot a credit card skimmer
There are several ways to tell if a card reader has a credit card skimmer attached to it. If you notice any signs of a credit card skimmer, report it immediately to the gas station or ATM to prevent other people from getting scammed.
1. Look for a tampered security seal
A security seal is generally placed on gas pump panels to show that nothing has been tampered with internally. If you notice that a security seal is slightly ripped or reads “void,” do not use your card on that gas pump.
2. Check for misalignments
If you look closely at a card reader, you can see if it looks misaligned, which could indicate that there might be a card skimmer placed over it. Any sort of misalignment would make the card reader look slightly askew, so it’s best not to use it to protect your card information.
3. Wiggle the card reader to see if it’s loose
Before inserting your card into a card reader, check to make sure the card reader is stable. A loose card reader might wiggle if a credit card skimmer is attached to it. Avoid a loose card reader by using a different gas pump or a non-bank ATM instead.
4. Look inside the card reader
Be cautious before inserting your card by looking inside the card reader. Something may already be inserted in the card reader, such as a thin circuit board used by cybercriminals to steal your card information if it goes unnoticed. If you see any thin piece of plastic already inside the card reader, do not insert your card.
5. Compare the card reader to other ones nearby
In a place like a gas station, there should be multiple pumps, each with a card reader. Compare the card reader you’re about to use with others nearby before inserting your credit card. If you notice the card reader you’re about to use looks different from other card readers nearby, you should use a different one.
What to do if you fall victim to credit card skimming
If you become a victim of credit card skimming, you can do a few things to protect your money and identity.
Call your bank immediately
On the back of the credit card you used in a skimmer, you will find a phone number for your bank. Contact your bank using that phone number immediately, let them know that your card has been skimmed and request that they cancel the current card to prevent it from being used for fraud. Once the bank has confirmed your identity, they can send you a new card with a different card number so the cybercriminal cannot continue to use your stolen card information.
File a police report
Informing the police about your credit card being skimmed is important because they can investigate and potentially find the cybercriminal who placed the skimmer on the card reader. File a police report and provide the police with the name and the address of the business where your card was skimmed. Reporting to the police can benefit you and anyone else who has also been a victim of credit card skimming in that same area.
Place a security freeze on your credit report
As an extra security measure, you can place a freeze on your credit report. A credit freeze is typically done when you suspect you have become a victim of identity theft or fraud. You place a credit freeze to prevent lenders from accessing your credit report, which will also prevent any new loans from being created under your name. If someone stole your credit card information from a skimmer and you placed a credit freeze, they would be unable to open new lines of credit in your name. To place a credit freeze, you need to contact each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.
Avoid falling victim to credit card skimmers
Having your credit card number and information stolen through a credit card skimmer can be scary and stressful. Avoid becoming a victim of skimming by following these tips:
- Use strong and unique passwords for your bank and credit card accounts
- Keep your physical card in a safe place
- Enable notifications for when any transaction is made on your credit or debit card
- Tap your card when it’s possible instead of inserting it in a card reader
- Regularly check your credit report to make sure credit accounts in your name are legitimate
- Use Apple Pay or Google Pay to make purchases because your credit card number isn’t shared with merchants
- Pay using your credit card instead of a debit card because it offers better protection and you would not be held responsible for repaying fraudulent charges
