ATM skimmers are still at it. Actually, they’re more like ATM thieves, but the technical term is ‘skimming’, apparently. If you’re like me, you probably think it won’t happen to you, not at your ATM, not at your bank. And you may be right.
ATM skimmer thieves typically – but not always! – target the independent ATM machines most often. These are the freestanding machines you find in convenience stores and the like.
What the skimmer thieves do is place a card reader over the card slot. Again, if you’re like me, you’re sure you’d notice something like that. But lets face it: they’re sneaky and we’re often in hurry or complacent, trusting that our info – and our money – is safe.
The card reader captures your card info and then they’re sitting somewhere videotaping you as you punch in your PIN. Now they can tap into your bank accounts.
To protect yourself, try wiggling the card reader before you put your card in. If it seems loose, best to go someplace else because it’s probably a reader.
The second step to protect your financial assets is to cover the keypad with one hand as you punch in your PIN with the other. Even if they get your card number, they still won’t have your PIN – or your money.