Skimming at ATMs has become a major problem here in Michigan
You wouldn’t hand your credit card over to a stranger would you? Of course not! But wait….. you might have already done exactly that, and you just didn’t know about it. In other words, you may have been skimmed! Skimming devices, which are attached by criminals to ATMs and gas pumps, “skim” your credit card information and save it so that a stranger can go shopping with your line of credit.
Sadly, this is happening more and more nowadays, with skimmer devices showing up all over Michigan on ATMs, gas pumps, Redbox movie rental kiosks, and even in the hands of store clerks and wait staff at restaurants. It has become such an issue here in Michigan, that the Senate has introduced SB 415, which outlines the extra precautions that gas stations would be required to take in order to protect customers from skimming.
Until then, however, what can you do about it? The answer: LOTS! While you can’t effectively stop using your debit or credit cards altogether, (unless you want to revert to a cash only financial system, which can be limiting and time consuming) there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
ATMs
- Always take a moment to look critically at the ATM before using it – if any part of it looks different, suspicious, or tampered with in any way, do not use it and contact your bank to report your suspicions immediately.
- Because a skimmer captures your card information, but would need a PIN number as well in order to use your debit card, thieves often mount tiny cameras on or near the ATM to capture your PIN as you enter it. Pay attention to your surroundings and take note of any suspicious items on nearby magazine racks or on the ATM itself.
- While punching in your PIN, cover your hand with your wallet or a piece of paper to block the view of any hidden cameras in the vicinity.
- Be sure to keep a regular check on your account – read all of your bank statements and, if possible, keep track of your transaction history online. Report any account activity that wasn’t generated by you or your financial institution.
GAS PUMPS
- If at all possible, pay inside rather than paying at the pump – unattended gas pumps are much easier for thieves to tamper with than the credit card reader inside the store.
- Be attentive to the credit card reader inside the store as well – especially if it is a wireless card reader
- If you choose to pay at the pump, look carefully at the gas pump you are using before sliding your card, and even at the pumps around you to be sure that the credit card slot on yours looks identical in every way. Report any apparent tampering or visible differences to the gas station attendant and the police.
PROTECT YOURSELF
- Check all of your accounts daily to be sure that you have not fallen victim to credit card theft, and report ANY unusual account activity to your financial institution.
- Carry cash for those instances where you are not certain of your card’s safety and would rather not take the risk, like paying for gas at a convenience store, or paying for a meal in a restaurant.
- Be attentive to your surroundings and to any and all devices where you intend to use your card – sometimes you can save yourself from becoming a victim by simply paying close attention and not using your card if you are in any way suspicious or unsure.
- Report any suspected skimming devices you encounter to the police immediately – credit card skimming is illegal and causes many people to lose vast sums of money that they are often unable to recover.
Skimmers have become more and more sophisticated with the passage of time. Some of them so well disguised and seamlessly integrated that even the pros don’t notice them. If you would like to read an indepth article on what skimming devices look like (there are many!) KrebsonSecurity has a very comprehensive article on skimming devices that is both educational and terrifying.
If however, you or a loved one have been accused of a financial crime, including credit card fraud, insurance fraud or check fraud, contact The Kronzek Firm immediately at 866 766 5245. Financial crimes are taken seriously in Michigan and the penalties for people convicted of financial crimes are quite severe. You will need a skilled and aggressive attorney on your side if you hope to get your life back on track.