As Detroit police are searching for the suspects accused of using card skimming devices across multiple businesses, it’s important to understand this type of fraud and how people can avoid falling victim to it.
Related: Police seek help identifying men behind skimming device fraud at Detroit businesses
Card skimming
Card skimming devices can capture data from the magnetic strip found on the back of debit and credit cards.
Card skimming can be done by criminals attaching a small electronic device to an ATM, gas pump, or inside a card swipe reader. If a card is used on a skimmer device, the magnetic strip data is captured and recorded. Criminals can then discretely take funds from the account connected to the card.
According to the Michigan’s Attorney General’s office, skimmers placed at ATM machines are almost always accompanied by a small camera placed within range of the keypad. The camera records the card PIN numbers that allow criminals to take money directly from the victim’s bank accounts.
Sometimes, keypad overlays are used in card skimmers. These are nearly identical to the real keypad. When card users enter their PIN numbers, the overlay records the PIN as it’s typed.
Financial institutions figured out a way to prevent people’s data from being taken from cards by installing a microchip into them. However, criminals figured out another way to still steal data from cards.
Card shimming
Card shimmers work similarly to card skimmers. Instead of reading the magnetic strip, shimmers read the card’s microchip. These devices are typically placed on ATMS or at point-of-purchase terminals like gas pumps. It can also be found at convenience stores or department stores.
When a chip-enabled card is inserted, the microchip data is stolen. With the stolen microchip data, a counterfeit card can be created.
How to avoid card skimming, shimming
One of the best ways to avoid card skimmers and shimmers overall at gas stations is to pay inside. Avoid using the payment terminal at the pump.
Paying via a mobile wallet is a safer option as it offers more protection than using a physical card.
Monitoring your bank accounts regularly helps you keep track of your purchases and find any unusual purchases before more money is taken away.
The FBI recommends pulling the edges of the keypad before entering your pin if you are using a card reader to pay. Then, cover the keypad as fully as possible when you enter your PIN to prevent a camera from recording your entry.
If you have the option to, use tap-to-pay when you use your credit or debit card. You can tell if your card has tap-to-pay by seeing a wave-like symbol on the card. This is typically shown on the front side near your card number. If not, it may be on the back of your card near your CVV.
How do you tell if there’s a card skimmer or shimmer?
You may be able to tell if a payment terminal has a card skimmer by seeing if there are any flaws in it. For example, the keypad could look misaligned, the keys are hard to push, the tape across the terminal is broken, there are suspicious scratches, or the payment slot looks completely different from the others.
