Credit card skimmers: How to spot and protect yourself against them

Cybersecurity isn’t just on the Internet; digital threats like credit card skimmers also pose digital risks in the physical world. 

Skimmers rest on genuine card readers to read a cardholder’s name, card number, and expiration date. Also, malicious actors install a hidden camera nearby to record your PIN.

Eventually, the scammer will take the skimmer to gather the data and use it for nefarious purposes. Spot and avoid them quickly with these tips.

How to spot credit card skimmers

Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider NordVPN lists the following types of card skimmer types:

1. Overlay skimmers, as the name suggests, rest on top of legitimate card readers. Often, they mimic the original, making them hard to recognize.
2. Internal skimmers are inside the card reader, making them harder to see.
3. Wireless skimmers use Bluetooth to send stolen data to the hacker wirelessly. As a result, they avoid getting caught by surveillance cameras when taking their skimmers.
4. Keypad overlays are on the ATM keypad to capture a victim’s PIN number.
5. Fake card readers transcend credit card skimmers by mimicking an entire card reader instead of hijacking one.

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Be wary of these devices with the following tips:

1. Look at the card reader. See if the ATM card slot seems misaligned or raised and then try moving it. If it budges, it likely has a skimmer. 
2. Check for hidden cameras. See if a tiny hole or lens is pointing at the keypad. 
3. Trust your gut. If something seems suspicious, it might be best to perform your transaction elsewhere. 

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Notify personnel nearby if you believe the ATM has a credit card skimmer. Also, you could secure your transactions via tap-to-pay methods or credit cards. 

If you suspect your credit card got skimmed, contact your bank immediately. 

Be wary of the other online scams with this guide.