Card Machine Scam
This of course is a problem at any time of the year but it is probably more prevalent now in the run up to Christmas. I am of course talking about a card machine scam. Only last week three men were jailed for a card machine scam in Chester city centre. The three defendants attached a card skimming machine to an ATM machine. They also attached a small camera near the card slot of the ATM at Barclays Bank on St Werburgh Street.
Obviously their intention was to steal people’s card details and PIN numbers. Fortunately, an eagle eyed customer spotted the device and called the Police. In addition, the three defendants were also spotted on CCTV driving away and were swiftly apprehended.
Card Machine Scam
Card Machine Scam
We all indebted to the eagle eyed customer and these three scam operators were caught and jailed. But that doesn’t mean it won’t happen again. In that case we all need to be that bit more vigilant and avoid becoming a victim of a card machine scam. But how do we ensure it doesn’t happen to us?
What To Watch For And How They Work
A card machine scam at an ATM is only one way in which scammers can relieve you of your hard earned wonga. There are others I will mention here.
Thieves have devised several ways to steal your card information. And you don’t even know they are doing it. With a card skimming scams, you hand your information over to them by way of being captured by a hidden camera, or a stealthy bystander. It is possible for them to even get your PIN number and make cash withdrawals from your account.
What Is A Card Skimmer?
Quite simply, a card skimmer is a small, hidden device that manages to collect your card information. Very importantly, the skimmer reads your card number. This of course can be used later to print fake cards or for online payments.
Quite disturbingly there different types of skimmers.
Installed Skimmers:
Card skimmers are often installed in places where you normally swipe your card. This could be at an ATM machines for instance, or at merchant payment machines. They are difficult to detect as well. There is just a piece of plastic over the normal card slot, but there’s a tiny computer inside.
Card skimmers collect all they need very quickly also. This information is stored for thieves to harvest at a later date. There are some card skimmers that send the collated information wirelessly. This reduces the risk for thieves.
Quite often, card skimmers do not even interfere with your transaction. As a result, you don’t even know that your card number has been stolen. Your card passes right through the card skimmer, and on the face of it, everything seems normal.
Handheld Card Skimmers:
Card skimmers can also be “mobile” devices. As they are small enough, they can be tucked away in a pocket. To illustrate, you could hand your card to a dishonest waiter to pay for a meal. As it only takes a second to run your card through a skimmer, your details have been collected while the waiter is walking back to the cash register.
Additional Equipment:
In addition to the card skimmer reader, these skimming scams often use hidden cameras and other equipment to capture your PIN. The cameras can be exceptionally small and extremely well-hidden. They may appear to be a part of furniture or fixtures that look like they belong where they are.
All the above may freak you out a fair bit. But, don’t worry there are measures you can take to protect yourself.
How To Avoid Skimming Scams
Although quite scary, at least we are aware of these scams and there are ways we can be more vigilant. As already mentioned, card numbers get stolen all the time. Quite often we have no control over it. For instance, your card number could have been stolen by hackers from a store you shop at. When this happens you can simply change cards, and the risk is gone. Having said that, it is a major hassle to change your card number and wait for a new card.
We can however look at ways to avoid problems and make it harder for scammers to steal your information.
Be Aware Of Your Location:
To this extent, it is better that you swipe your card in secure areas, and avoid insecure areas. For instance, an ATM found in a bank itself is probably as safe a location as it gets. Why is this? Well, the bank is locked at night, the ATM’s are regularly serviced, and there is constant video surveillance on site. Scammers take a risk when they install and retrieve their skimmers, so as a general rule and stating the obvious, they don’t like security cameras.
Protect Your PIN:
Whenever you enter your PIN, no matter where you are, cover your hand (with your other hand). This makes it harder, if not impossible, for cameras to record your PIN, and it prevents anybody from watching what you enter.
Something Doesn’t Look Quite Right:
Don’t Accept Any Help From A Stranger:
If by any chance you get offers to help from strangers hanging around the machine, then decline the offer and leave immediately.
Keep Your Card Under Your Control:
If you happen to be a waiter, sorry to mention waiters again. I’m not targeting you…honestly!! And I’m not trying to make out waiters per se are dishonest. Far from it. It’s just that a restaurant is the type of venue where you may hand your card over to somebody else. However, if you’re ever worried, and to be on the safe side, don’t let anybody walk away with your card – even for a few seconds. You should walk over to the payment machine yourself with them and watch the entire process.
Use Secure Payment Methods:
If you have the option, pay without swiping your magnetic strip through a card reader.
What To Do If You Think Something Strange Has Happened:
If you think you have become a victim, contact your bank immediately. For instance, if an ATM keeps your card or you notice that you’ve used a device with a skimmer, your bank can act quickly to avoid losses. Your bank will do as much as they can to protect you from fraud. But you should be aware that your liability increases as time passes. So, don’t leave it, phone them straight away.
What About Using The Folding Stuff With A Picture Of The Queen On It?
In today’s increasingly cashless society most of us are guilty of regularly reaching for the plastic. But why not use cash on occasions whenever we can. For instance, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen people (mainly youngsters actually), use cards to pay for rounds of drinks in a pub.
As well as the potential problems mentioned above, this of course can create other problems. If we go out with an amount of cash and stick to the principle of saying that’s all we are going to spend, then when that cash is about to run out, it’s time to call it a night.
Relying on your card to pay for your rounds of drinks could be another nightmare waiting to happen. How many have woken up with a thick head and not had a clue how much they have spent the night before? Go out with a certain amount of cash however and check your pockets the next morning? Now that’s a different situation isn’t it. So, if at all possible, take cash with you.
Hopefully none of you will fall victim of a card machine scam. Christmas can be stressful enough as it is for many. Do whatever you can to minimize any stress and take heed of the warnings in this article.
Happy “Card Machine Scam” free Christmas everyone!!
