Follow these steps before filling your car with gas or using an ATM

Credit card skimmers can give fraudsters access to your money – all before you realize your information has been stolen.

Skimming involves criminals installing hidden devices in card readers used at gas stations, ATMs and other point-of-sale terminals. The devices then intercept and steal data, including the PIN, from the magnetic stripe on the card. Once they have this information, criminals can use it to create fake debit or credit cards to steal from victims’ accounts.

FICO reported a 77% increase in the number of credit and debit cards affected by skimmers in the first half of 2023, with 120,000 cards compromised. This represents a 368% increase in the number of cards hacked between 2021 and 2022, with each skimming attack stealing information from an average of 185 cards.

According to the FBI, skimming costs financial institutions and consumers more than $1 billion annually.

There are things you can do to protect yourself and your money. Here are the top tips from the FBI:

Skimmers at gas stations

Fuel pump skimmers are typically connected to the machine’s internal wiring, making it very difficult to see for customers. The devices store data that can later be downloaded or transferred wirelessly.

If you use your card at a gas pump, the FBI recommends:

• Choose a fuel pump closer to the store and directly in front of the salesperson. These pumps are less likely to be targeted by skimmers.
• Run your debit card as a credit card. If this is not possible, cover the keypad when entering the PIN.
• Consider paying inside with the clerk rather than outside at the pump.

ATM and cash terminals

Skimmers used on ATMs or teller machines usually fit into the original card reader. Some ATM skimmers are inserted into a card reader, placed in a terminal or near exposed cables, while others use pinhole cameras installed in the ATM to record the person entering the PIN.

There have also been cases where customer keystroke recording keyboard overlays were used to record other people’s PINs. Just like at gas stations, skimming devices store data that can later be downloaded or transferred.

Tips for using an ATM or point of sale terminal:

• Check ATMs, POS terminals and other card readers before use. Look for anything that is loose, crooked, damaged or scratched. Do not use any card reader if you notice anything unusual.
• Before entering your PIN, pull the edges of the keyboard. Then cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent cameras from recording your entry.
• Use ATMs in well-lit areas as they are less sensitive targets.
• Beware of skimming devices in tourist areas that are popular destinations.
• Use debit and credit cards with chip technology. In the US, there are fewer devices stealing chip data compared to magnetic stripe data.
• Avoid using your debit card if you have linked accounts. Use a credit card instead.
• If the ATM does not return your card after completing or canceling the transaction, contact your financial institution.