What do skimmers on atms look like

There should be a space between any arrows and the card reader itself. If the instructions next to the card reader are partially covered or cut off, it is likely that there is a plastic skimmer attached over them. Pay attention to anything unusual on your normal ATM. If you use a certain ATM often, stay alert for any unusual changes. If you see something off—whether it is a strange piece of plastic or a new plastic mold over the card reader—trust your gut and go to a new ATM.

A card reader that juts out more than usual. Cracks around the receipt slot, speakers, audio jack, or cash dispenser. No flashing indicator where there was one before. Method 2. Wiggle the card scanner to see if it moves or budges. If the card reader moves or jiggles at all, there is probably a skimmer attached. ATMs are very sturdily constructed, and none of their parts should budge. Skimmers, however, are often attached with tape, glue, or other unstable methods.

Press down on the key pad to see if it feels sticky or spongy. Press a few random keys. If it feels spongy, sticky, or rigid, there may be a fake pad attached. Use Skimmer Scanner on your phone to test for skimmers.

This app uses Bluetooth to see if the ATM is sending information out to another phone or computer. You can download the app for Android phones for free from the app store.

Stop using the ATM if it is difficult to enter your card. Normal ATMs should easily and quickly accept your card. If the ATM is slow or if it is difficult to get your card in the reader, stop what you are doing. Report the ATM to the bank or business. Method 3. Use ATM machines in busy and populated areas.

While no ATM is completely risk-free, it is better to use skimmers inside of buildings or in densely populated areas. If it is located somewhere an employee can see it easily, it is safer than an ATM stuck in a back corner or hidden by furniture. If you use an outdoor ATM, make sure it is close to the door of a building or facing a busy street.

Cover the keypad with 1 hand when you enter your PIN. This will prevent a camera from catching your PIN after you enter your card.

Keep in mind, however, that this will not protect your PIN if there is a fake keypad attached. Go to the ATM on a weekday. Criminals often install skimmers on the weekends, when banks are closed. Your chances of finding a skimmer are lower on weekdays.

Monitor your bank account several times a week. If you find suspicious activity on your account, your bank may be able to return the money to you as long as you report it right away. Check your bank account times a week to make sure there is no one else accessing your money. Thieves build these gadgets themselves and then install them on ATMs.

There are many different kinds—some looking obvious and can be easily removed, but some are more difficult to spot. Some skimmers save the data on the device itself, meaning the thief needs to retrieve the device to download the stolen data.

Others contain a system that sends the data over a GSM network. When withdrawing money, always pay close attention to any objects attached to the machine and its surroundings. A slight discoloration of a card reader could be a tip-off, as could a keypad that looks newer than the rest of the device. There are two ways thieves can use your card information. Alternatively, they might sell your data on the black market.

ATM skimming can happen anywhere, from traveling in rural India to working in downtown Chicago. Skimming frequently happens in public areas or on ATMs outside banks in convenience stores or malls for example. ATMs in crowded spaces are insecure since no one regularly watches them. That makes tampering easier. When traveling, try to limit your number of withdrawals. Try your best to only withdraw from ATMs inside banks or in well-lit public areas.

Wiggle around on the card reader and give the PIN pad a quick once-over. But most importantly, just trust your gut. Make sure you review your transaction history frequently—we suggest at least once a week. If your card has been compromised, catching it early is the best way to minimize losses or inconveniences.

We want to reassure our members that they have zero liability if their card were to be compromised. Report this fraudulent activity within 60 days of the transaction, and we will replace your card and dispute any charges that are fraudulent. Note that Northwest Community Credit Union is not responsible for the product, service, security, or overall website content available at the linked site.

Note that if you enter into a transaction with a linked site, NWCU does not represent you or the third party. Please review the policies of the site you'll be visiting, because they may differ from Northwest Community Credit Union's. Skimming device cases are becoming more frequent in the United States.

What does skimming mean?