Protect Yourself Against Card Skimmers
Using your credit card at a gas station pump or drive-up ATM is quick and convenient. However, despite retailers following the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, or PCI DSS, to protect your information, cybercriminals are finding ways to steal your information. Cybercriminals are using technology called “card skimmers” to read and record your card information in seconds. Although retailers regularly check for card skimmers, learning how to protect yourself at gas station pumps and ATMs should be a priority now more than ever.
How Do They Work?
Card skimmers are physical devices that cybercriminals attach to the credit card reader of an ATM or gas pump. The card skimmer then reads the magnetic strip on the card to gather your full name, the card number, and the expiration date. Once the skimmer reads your card information, the cybercriminals can sell your information or use it to gain access to your bank account. These skimmers are designed to fit tightly over the real card reader at the gas station and ATM, making them undetectable if you don’t know what to look for.
How To Avoid Card Skimmers
To protect yourself against card skimmers, follow these helpful tips:
- Shake and pull the card reader. If the card reader is loose or looks tampered with, go inside the bank or gas station and report it.
- Go inside. Going inside the gas station or the bank will reduce the risk of encountering a card skimmer since the card readers inside are less likely to be tampered with. If you are making a payment, consider paying with cash while inside to completely eliminate skimmer risk.
- If mobile payment options like Google or Apple Pay are available, you can avoid using your physical card entirely. These mobile payment options are secure and convenient.