The FBI has instructed shoppers on how to protect themselves from credit card skimmer devices after many of them appeared in popular stores.
There have been discoveries of skimming devices at major retailers like Walmart, 7-Eleven and CVS that attempted to steal customers’ financial information.
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A skimmer is a device designed to blend into a credit card machine so that people unknowingly put their card in it and their financial information is recorded.
“The specific device used is generally a realistic-looking card reader placed over the factory-installed card reader,” said the FBI he said.
“Customers insert their ATM card into the fake reader and their account information is stolen and stored on a small connected laptop or cell phone or sent wirelessly to criminals waiting nearby.”
The FBI described these devices as undetectable and creatively made.
“Devices planted in ATMs are generally undetectable by users,” the FBI said.
“Manufacturers of these devices have become very skilled at creating them, often from plastic or plaster, so that they integrate seamlessly into the ATM facade.”
SKIMMER DEVICES DETECTED
Stephen Schnare of San Diego, California found a skimmer device while using an ATM at his local CVS.
Schnare realized something was wrong when his card got stuck in the ATM and he had to rip it out.
He said the skimmer he found was strange because it was shaped like a card and stuck to the very bottom of the ATM.
“I thought that was weird,” he said.
“It was a card-shaped device that was not visible.
“Originally, it was all in the machine.”
In January, police in northeast Ohio reported that skimmer devices were found at several Walmarts in the area.
They were looking for two suspects they believe installed the skimmers at Walmart cash registers in Cleveland, Parma, North Olmsted, Brooklyn and South Euclid, for Yahoo News.
A skimmer was also found at a 7-Eleven store in southern New Jersey in early April.
One customer said he was checking out and noticed that the card reader seemed to be turned off.
It’s unclear how long the skimmer was there and could have recorded dozens of credit card numbers,
FBI TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE FROM SKIMMERS
The FBI has released tips you should keep in mind when using your credit card in stores to avoid falling victim to a skimmer.
Here’s a summary of the tips, according to the FBI.
Before using an ATM, gas pump, or credit card reader, inspect it carefully for signs of tampering, such as loose parts, bent components, or damage.
Be careful of scratches or adhesive/tape residue as these may indicate the presence of a skimming device.
When entering your PIN, protect the keyboard with your free hand to prevent potential hidden cameras from capturing your personal information.
What is a skimmer device?
A skimmer device is a fraudulent tool designed to steal sensitive credit or debit card information during transactions.
- Imagine a skimmer device as a sneaky thief that hides in ATMs or card machines.
- Its function is to secretly steal your credit or debit card information when you use it for a transaction.
- These devices are like little spies that can copy your card details, including your card number and PIN, without you knowing.
- Skimmers can be cleverly disguised to look like a regular card reader, making them difficult to detect.
- Once they get your information, crooks can use it to make fake cards or buy things without your permission, causing a lot of trouble and stress.
- It’s important to always be cautious and check card machines for anything unusual before using them to protect yourself from these sneaky devices.
If possible, try to opt for ATMs located indoors, as they offer fewer opportunities for criminals to install skimming devices without being noticed.
You should be careful when using ATMs in tourist areas, as they are often targeted by skimmers looking to exploit unsuspecting travelers.
It is not normal for your card not to be returned after completing a transaction or pressing “cancel”.
If this occurs, contact your bank immediately to report the incident.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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