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- Skimmers are small electronic devices that steal card details and fit over the swipe or push slot for debit and credit cards.
- If anything seems out of place, unusually bulky, or poorly affixed to the machine, gently tug on it. If it moves or comes away from the ATM, it may be a skimming device.
- The devices are only temporarily affixed with glue or tape and have a battery life of about two to four hours. When a few cards have been skimmed, the criminals remove them and move on to the next machine.
- Police advise that people check for scratching around the card slot, adhesive tape or glue residue, and if the device can be removed, alert bank staff or call 911 immediately.
- Look for hidden cameras and check the keypad.
- Skimming is a two-step process because criminals can also obtain people's PIN. This is often done with a pinhole camera hidden on or near an ATM.
- Look for anything that may have a tiny hole or slot for a camera to be placed inside, especially if it's aimed at the keypad. These devices may be stuck to the top or side of the machine, or placed inside light fixtures above. They are also temporarily affixed, so check any unusual components to see if they move or seem poorly applied.
- Some criminals have also used keypad overlays instead of cameras to capture customers' PINs. These devices record keystrokes electronically, so check for anything that seems to have been placed over the top of the keypad that moves, seems unusual, or does not match the ATM.
- Machines with a lot of customers, especially in casinos and convenience stores, are the most likely to be targeted by criminals.
Click here for more information from the Wayne Police.
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