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…)