A single compromised pump can capture data from 30 to 100 cards per day. When skimming occurs at a gas station, it usually takes place at only one pump. Of them, 31 million pay for fuel with a credit or debit card. How big is the risk? According to the National Association for Convenience Stores, 40 million Americans refuel every day. There are no reliable statistics on the extent of skimming since it is a local crime and not centrally tracked, but experts say it is on the rise. ![]() ![]() The skimmer stores the data, and criminals can acquire it later through a Bluetooth connection without ever needing to retrieve the skimmer. In many cases, fraudsters also install a pinhole camera on the ATM or place a fake keypad on top of the real one to record your keystrokes and steal your PIN. And criminals often install a skimmer device over an ATM’s original card reader or place it within the card terminal itself. It’s hard to spot skimmers on fuel pumps because they are typically attached to the wiring inside the pump. Keep in mind, however, if your card leaves your sight at a restaurant or department store, your card’s data could be compromised by an employee with a portable card skimmer. According to the FBI, card skimming costs financial institutions and consumers over $1 billion every year.Ĭard skimmers are generally found at gas stations and ATMs. They then use your data to create a fake credit or debit card and access funds or credit from your account. During a transaction, the skimmer captures your PIN, card number and expiration date from the magnetic strip of your credit or debit card. What is card skimming?Ĭard skimming occurs when a criminal illegally installs a small electronic device on a gas pump, ATM or point-of-sale (POS) terminal. If you’re suspicious about a particular transaction with your card, you may want to notify the vendor or business where you think the skimming occurred, so they can investigate if the device is still in place. Usually, you’ll want to cancel your card and receive a new one by mail. ![]() Many credit card companies and banking institutions send you notifications when a suspicious or fraudulent charge occurs. If you spot any unusual or unauthorized transactions, particularly after recently visiting a gas station or ATM, alert your credit card issuer or bank immediately by calling the number on the back of the card and asking about the next steps. It’s a good practice to regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any fraudulent charges. Let’s take a closer look at what to do if your card has been compromised by a skimmer, as well as some background on what card skimming is and how to protect yourself against it in the future. executive director of the ATM Industry Association. “Some of the newer skimmers are almost impossible to see, even if you know what you’re looking for,” says David Tente, U.S. Your eyes, fingers and now even your smartphone may be able to help you spot card skimmers at gas pumps and ATMs, but nothing is foolproof.
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