Even if you’re cautious about which ATMs you use or stores you shop at, you could still become a victim of identity theft. ATM skimming is a growing problem and the Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona recommends that consumers take steps to protect themselves from becoming a victim.

There are a number of ways thieves steal a Personal Identification Number (PIN). In some cases, thieves or accomplice employees can swap out the entire PIN pad with one that captures data. Once a consumer swipes their card through the fake card reader, their account information is sent to the scammer, leaving the consumer vulnerable to I.D. theft. In addition, thieves may use hidden cameras attached near a machine to record the consumer’s hand movements to obtain their personal identification number.

“Beware of suspicions looking individuals, or devices that may have been tampered with,” said Kim States, BBB President. “Always be on the look out for strange activity on your account and check it regularly.”

Consumers who use bank cards are encouraged to monitor their statements, report suspicious account activity and change debit-card PIN numbers and other account security settings.

BBB recommends the following ways to fight identity thieves when using a debit or credit card:

• Protect your PIN – When entering your PIN, cover the keypad with your other hand to prevent any cameras from catching your digits. False keypads placed over the real keypad are also a way scammers get PIN numbers so if the keypad looks different, move on.
• Keep an eye on your statements – The most vigilant person can still fall victim to ATM skimmers, and it’s important to always keep a close eye on your accounts—particularly the itemized breakdown of charges and debits—so that you can quickly report any suspicious activity on your account.
• Report fraud immediately – Report any fraudulent activity to your bank as soon as you discover it. Consumer protections for debit cards vary but depend largely on when you report the fraudulent activity and sooner is always better. If you wait too long to report the fraud, your bank account could be cleaned out and your bank may not reimburse you.

For more advice on fighting identity theft and preventing fraud, visit www.tucson.bbb.org

Before getting money out at the ATM or filling up their gas tank, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona advises consumers to take a minute to inspect the machine before swiping a credit or debit card. Card skimming is becoming more common.

According to the ATM Industry Association, card skimming is defined as the unauthorized capture of magnetic stripe information by modifying the hardware or software of a payment device, or through the use of a separate card reader. Once consumers swipe their card through the fake card reader, their account information is automatically sent to the waiting criminals. In addition, thieves may use hidden cameras attached near a machine to record the consumer’s hand movements to obtain their personal identification number.

The criminals download the stolen information and encode it to a blank card, then proceed to withdrawal money from the victim’s account. According to Bankrate.com, debit and credit card skimmers steal nearly $1 billion annually from unsuspecting consumers.

“Card skimming is a common crime,” said Michael Urban, Sr. Director of Global Fraud Solutions with FICO. “Many times criminals will intercept card information by hacking computer systems … to capture payment card information.”

To reduce the growing number of consumers victimized by this crime, BBB offers the following tips:

• Inspect the ATM – Avoid using ATMs in poorly lit or low trafficked areas. Experts often (more…)

Better Business Bureau, as well as law enforcement officials across the country, are warning consumers that debit and credit card skimming is on the rise, and that consumers should be mindful anytime they use an ATM to get cash.

Card skimming is a crime that involves the, ‘skimming’ or stealing of information implanted in your card’s magnetic strip. This is accomplished when a criminal attaches a device at the mouth of a card-acceptance slot that records the data on your card as you slide it in. The criminal returns to the ATM or gas pump at a later time to collect the device containing all of the stolen account information.

According to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, this scam is becoming even more sophisticated. The article quotes Brian Krebs, a computer security expert who says that criminals no longer have to return in person to collect the device and that the information can be sent to them wirelessly via text message.

“Paying for gas using a card and using ATMs are such common transactions. With this crime increasing and becoming more refined, consumers need to be very cautious when making these transactions and extremely vigilant of their accounts,” said Kim States, BBB President.

BBB offers the following tips when using ATMs or paying for gas by card:

· Use your credit card at the gas pump instead of your debit card. This way, if you become victimized you haven’t lost the money directly. You can contact your credit card company and they will get the fraudulent charges removed. If money is stolen directly from your bank account, this could have much worse consequences for you and getting the money replaced could take quite some time.

• Avoid using ATMs that are not located at a bank. These ATMs are often less secure so thieves have more opportunity to tamper with them.
• Look closely at the machine you are putting your card into. If it appears compromised in any way, (i.e. plastic sticking out, anything out of the ordinary (more…)