3 Ways to Detect Credit Card Skimmers

Everyday more and more people become a victim of credit card fraud because of credit card skimmers. It’s just as common as being hacked online.

Credit card skimmers can be on anything – the Point of Sale terminal at the register of a grocery store, a pump at the gas station and the ATM machine outside of your bank.

It’s important to know how to spot a credit card skimmer, so you can avoid financial loss.

Here are 3 ways to spot credit card skimmers and avoid being the victim of credit card fraud.

1) Make sure nothing moves.

If anything moves or feels loose, don’t use the machine. Credit card skimmers can attach directly to the top of machines and might also be underneath the pin pad. Don’t be afraid to pull or tug at the machine and to wiggle on the pin pad. If you sense there’s any type of movement, it’s best not to use it.

2) Compare your machine to the one next to you.

If you’re at a gas station or outside bank and there are multiple machines around you, compare yours to those machines. Make sure the colors are the same and there are no extra parts on yours.

And if you do see extra parts on the machines next to yours, it’s in your best interest to avoid all the machines in that area. Go to a separate location. This is one of the simplest ways to confirm your machine isn’t tampered with.

3) Check for hidden graphics or text.

If a credit card skimmer has been installed onto the machine, it might cover up pieces of the machine, which means it could cover up graphics or text that came with the machine.

If this is the case, look for graphics that are partially concealed. For example, a word that may be cut off. This is a telltale sign that a machine has been tampered with.

It’s important to be aware of physical and digital security in order to protect yourself and your business. Remember to check your credit and bank statements regularly for any suspicious activity.