Have you ever had your debit or credit card information stolen from an ATM? If so, you may have been the victim of a skimmer. Small devices called “skimmers” used by fraudsters are sometimes attached to his ATMs and used to steal data from the magnetic strips of debit and credit cards.
There are also smaller devices called “shimmers” that fraudsters can install in ATMs to steal data from your credit or debit card chip if you have a newer chip-based card. If you’re worried about becoming a victim of skimmers or shimmers, your first line of defense is to understand what they are and how to keep yourself safe.
Two examples of skimmers (Dubuque Police Department) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
How does a “skimmer” work?
A skimmer is a fake card reader that can be installed on top of a legitimate card reader to steal data from anyone using the card reader. These can be found at ATMs, gas pumps, and just about any other common card reader device. Breaking into ATMs is not easy, so thieves typically place a skimmer on top of the existing card reader.
But what’s even more troubling is that these thieves also install hidden cameras near the card reader’s keypad so they can capture your PIN. Some criminals place fake numeric keypads to capture PIN codes, without the need for hidden cameras.
Read more: Tips from incredibly expensive conversations with cybercriminals
Examples of hidden cameras, skimmers, and keypad overlays (FBI) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
How to identify a skimmer
Fortunately, there are some telltale signs to tell if your ATM has been damaged by a thief using a skimmer. The first step to finding a skimmer is to pay close attention to the color of the card slot. Typically, in most ATMs, the card slot and the ATM are the same color. If you notice a large, discolored card reader, there’s a pretty good chance it’s a skimmer. The skimmer is also installed on top of the original card reader, so you may notice some dried glue or glue remaining around the card reader. Never use your card reader, whether at a gas pump or an ATM, if you believe there is a skimmer device installed on top of your original card reader.
More information: How to fight back against debit card hackers who are after your money
Beware of increased shimming beyond skimmers
Although skimming is not as prevalent as it once was, you should always inspect the card reader and keypad before using an ATM, in case criminals have installed a skimmer. This is especially true when traveling abroad, where skimmers are often used by thieves at major tourist destinations. But as skimmers decline, a new method of stealing card data called “shimming” is gaining popularity.
Shimmer example (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Read more: Got a credit card fraud alert? How criminals can steal your payment card details
What is Shimmer?
Skimmers typically do not work with chip-based credit and debit cards, known as EMV cards. EMV cards have more robust security features, such as double encryption between the chip and the magnetic stripe on the back of the card. But as you might expect, thieves quickly adapted and developed a system called a “shimmer” that can be used to steal data from chip-protected cards.
A shimmer is a paper-thin device with a microchip attached to it that is inserted into ATMs by thieves. You can’t see the glitter from the outside like you can with a skimmer. When you insert your card into an affected ATM, the glitter steals the card’s data from the chip, much like a skimmer steals data from a magnetic stripe. .
Shimmer example (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
How to protect yourself from glitter
As mentioned earlier, shimmers aren’t visible from outside an ATM or other pay terminal, but there are some simple ways to use them to protect yourself from scammers.
Tip #1 – Avoid non-bank ATMs
ATMs located in bars, convenience stores, and other public locations lack security features compared to bank ATMs, making them more susceptible to card skimmers and shimmers. Bank ATMs are always the safest to use.
Tip #2 – Use contactless payments
An easy way to stay safe when using paid terminals is to use contactless payment systems like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, and PayPal on your phone instead of inserting your card.
Apple Pay (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
More information: Best Identity Theft Protection Services of 2024
Tip #3 – Enable bank alerts for your card
If you enable mobile alerts for your card through your bank’s mobile app, you’ll receive an alert when a charge is made. This helps you quickly identify fraudulent charges that need to be canceled and stay safe.
Bank Alert (Bank of America) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
More information: How to easily add credit cards and loyalty passes to your iPhone
Cart important points
Even if you do everything right and check every nook and cranny of the ATM, you can still fall victim to glimmering, unfortunately. If you believe you are a victim of credit or debit card shimming or skimming, always remember to report any fraudulent transactions to your bank immediately. You will not be held liable and the money will be returned to your account. Avoid using public non-bank ATMs as much as possible and, if possible, choose to use contactless payment methods instead of inserting a card reader into the terminal.
What additional security measures do you think could be implemented to protect consumers from skimmers and flickers? Please email us. Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report newsletter using the link below. Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask your cart a question or let us know your story you’d like us to feature.
Answers to CyberGuy frequently asked questions:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
