Skimmers

Example of Skimmers on ATM

Fraudsters take advantage of the convenience of your debit or credit card with skimmers.  They’ll install a device on or inside an ATM, card reader, or fuel pump, either hiding it or making it look normal.  Once you use your card, the skimmer captures your card information and PIN (if applicable), which the fraudster can use to make purchases with your money!

We’ll describe how some of the skimmers work, based on where they’re installed:

  • The skimmer is inserted in the card reader or looks like the card reader itself.
  • A Pinhole camera is placed on the front of the ATM or fuel pump to record your PIN entry.
  • The skimmer is a keypad laid on top of the real one and records your PIN.
  • For a card reader at any store, the skimmer is designed to lay over the actual machine.  Once it has your card information and PIN, it will wirelessly send it to the fraudster.

Protecting Yourself

Watch out for these warning signs of a skimmer being placed on ATM, card reader, or fuel pump:

  • ATM and Card Readers
    • Inspect the ATM or card reader for anything loose, crooked, damaged, or scratched.  These may be signs that someone has tampered with it.
    • Pull at the edge of a keypad in case the skimmer is overlaying the real one.
    • Cover the keypad while you enter your PIN to block any cameras watching.
    • Use ATMs in a well-lit, indoor location.  They are less likely to be tampered with.
    • If the ATM doesn't return your card after you’re done, contact the bank or credit union immediately.  The skimmer may be preventing the card from being returned.
  • Fuel Pumps
    • Choose a fuel pump close to the store or within view of an attendant.  It would be harder to install a skimmer on this pump without someone noticing.
    • Check the keypad for anything unusual in its color, material, or shape.  These might be signs that a skimmer has been installed.
    • Go directly to the attendant to pay for your fuel, instead of using the pump.

Here are some ways to protect yourself without having to check for a skimmer every time:

  • Use a credit card instead of your debit card.  Credit cards have better fraud protection, and you won’t have to enter a PIN.
  • Set up transaction alerts to notify you of unusual purchases by email or text.
  • Add your credit or debit card to a digital wallet.  The wallet secures your card information so it doesn’t get passed on when you use an ATM, card reader, or fuel pump, making.  Visit our Digital Wallet page for information on how you can add your WEPCO credit or debit card to your smartphone.

If You Become a Victim

  1. If you find purchases you did not make, contact your bank or credit union at once to limit your losses.
  2. Notify the merchant where you used the card.  They can check for the skimmer and alert others. 
  3. File a complaint with the local police, FCC, and FTC.
  4. Monitor your accounts for future unusual activity.

Watch this video from WBAL-TV 11 on skimmers found at a gas station: