| Imagine walking up to a familiar Automated Teller | | | | become a problem nationwide. An executive at an |
| Machine - perhaps on your way to work or while | | | | identity theft protection firm indicates that ATM |
| shopping, and apparently conducting a transaction | | | | skimming is growing and may be reaching the |
| just as you have hundreds of times before, only | | | | proportions of a billion dollar problem. |
| to find that you have unwittingly given thieves | | | | Here is what you can do to reduce the likelihood |
| information that will allow them to empty your | | | | of having your identity and account information |
| checking or savings account. It is a scary thought, | | | | stolen: |
| yet one that is becoming increasingly real. | | | | - Pay attention to the front of machines. If it |
| Here is how the scam works. The thieves install a | | | | looks different from others in the area (for |
| skimming device over top of the existing card | | | | example, it has an extra mirror on the face), has |
| slot at the targeted ATM. The false card slot is | | | | sticky residue on it (potentially from a device |
| made to match the color and texture of the ATM | | | | attached to it) or extra signage, use a different |
| and is very thin so it does not change the profile | | | | machine and notify bank management with your |
| of the machine in a noticeable way once installed. | | | | concerns. |
| The device actually contains an additional card | | | | - Notice how it feels when inserting your card. If |
| reader to copy your card information from the | | | | it's difficult or you feel resistance, it could mean |
| magnetic strip on the card. | | | | that a skimming device is present. |
| The skimmer does not interfere with you | | | | - If you think the area around the card entry slot |
| successfully completing a transaction, e.g. | | | | looks peculiar, pull on it. If it comes off or loosens, |
| withdrawing cash, or checking your account | | | | alert bank management but try to leave the |
| balance. So you will not necessarily be aware that | | | | machine as you found it. Leaving the evidence in |
| your account information has been stolen. | | | | place could help authorities track down the |
| Additionally, a micro-camera is installed on the | | | | criminals. |
| ATM in a position that will allow it to monitor the | | | | - Notice how it feels to type in your PIN code. If |
| keypad, capturing your PIN as it is entered, and | | | | it's difficult to punch the keys, it could mean that |
| transmit that data to the thief. | | | | a keypad overlay is present. |
| Micro cameras have been found in false mirrors | | | | - Cover your hand as you type in your PIN. If a |
| positioned over the keypad. Also, fraudulent | | | | camera is present or someone is trying to look |
| pamphlet holders with a camera inside, have been | | | | over your shoulder, this will obstruct their view. |
| found attached to the ATM machine. | | | | Your greatest protection simply comes with being |
| With the stolen account information and PIN this | | | | aware of your surroundings at all times. ATM |
| form of identity theft allows your card to be | | | | skimming devices have been found attached to |
| duplicated and your account to be accessed by | | | | machines at branch bank locations. So, whether at |
| the criminals. | | | | a familiar ATM, at a gas pump, or a local |
| The Secret Service and other law enforcement | | | | convenience store ... anywhere where the device |
| agencies are investigating ATM skimming scams in | | | | requires you to insert your card allowing the |
| New York, Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania | | | | magnetic strip to be scanned ... it pays to be |
| and Maryland. Given the level of sophistication of | | | | attentive. |
| these criminals, it is likely spreading and may | | | | |