Protect Yourself From Card Skimming Schemes
Perhaps you’ve seen me at the gas station lately. I’m the one that appears as though she’s from another planet, not quite sure what a gas pump is.
I have a specific routine when I need to fill my tank, and it makes me look like a bit of a weirdo. I get a few strange looks but this routine keeps my identity safe, and I don’t mind being that kind of weirdo.
I cautiously eye my chosen gas pump as I get out of the car. Circling it suspiciously, I approach the credit card reader with a bit of trepidation. I lean in and check the mechanics of the machine. I try to wiggle the card reader. Then I check out the pumps on either side of me to see if they look the same. If they do, then I’m good to go and I pump my gas. If not, I go inside and start asking questions.
So why the amateur cop routine? Because the gas pump is one of the places identity thieves are turning to during this recession. Utilizing an array of tricks, these thieves can snag your card number, your pin, and your three digit security code on the back of your card. They make use of skimmers and hidden cameras, and if they get the information from your card, you’ll be the next victim.
Skimmers aren’t new to any of us. They make it convenient for purchases of all kinds. A clerk swipes a card, you enter your PIN and presto! Sold. But when identity thieves start adding skimmers to gas pumps or ATMs they can collect your information and go shopping on your dime.
Know what to look for so that you can avoid being skimmed by a scammer.
- After Mounts: Check your ATM or gas pump carefully. Are there any plastic pieces that appear to have been added to the pump since it was initially manufactured? Identity thieves will often put plastic sleeves containing skimmers over the card reader. They paint the sleeve the same color as the pump so it blends in, but it’s definitely a post-manufacture add-on. Report it to the clerk on duty and follow up with a manager to insure it’s not an inside job.
- Somebody’s Watching Me: Identity thieves have been known to install cameras in the vicinity of ATMs and gas pumps in order to capture you entering your PIN. When approaching an ATM you’re unfamiliar with, look around. Are there dispensers for brochures that point toward the keypad on the ATM? Examine those dispensers carefully. Cameras could be inside. Shield the keypad when you enter your PIN to avoid having it captured.
- Account Tracking: Check your account balances daily. I know, sounds tedious, but daily checking of your account balances and transactions is the best way to quickly catch a skimming scheme and protect the money in your account.
- PIN Schmin: Protect your debit card. Choose the ‘credit’ option over ‘debit’ at the pump when using your debit card. While it still draws from the balance in your account it won’t require you to enter your PIN number. If you fail to detect a hidden camera, this could be a life saver.
Alicia Diefenbach is a former financial crime-fighter for the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions. After spending nearly a decade helping fraud victims seek restitution and educating consumers about various aspects of personal financial management, she went into business for herself.
Alicia now designs fun, non-commercial presentations and materials that help people make financial decisions that lead to success. She is a published consumer writer and speaks on topics that educate women, teens, adults, and seniors on various aspects of fraud awareness, and successful personal financial management.
Comments
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said on October 5th, 2009 07:00 AM
Jeremy says: