Double Check Card Readers to Avoid Card Skimming Scams
December 8, 2022
Stopping by an ATM is a normal part of most people’s days, and ATMs are some of the easiest ways to get money from your account. However, your easy ATM trip could also cost you everything.
How could this happen?
Some criminals place card skimmers over ATM card readers to steal your information. These skimmers may look like normal card readers, but they have a tiny circuit board inside to scan inserted cards. Once they have your card information, the scammers drain your account and leave you with nothing.
Even though skimmers are meant to look like card readers, there are still ways to spot them. You can avoid card skimming scams by:
· Checking to see if the reader fits correctly on the ATM. If it’s covering arrows or tilted, it could be a skimmer.
· Looking inside the card reader for a tiny circuit board. This may tell you it’s actually a skimmer.
· Wiggling the card reader. Don’t worry about damaging the ATM; a normal card reader shouldn’t budge. However, a skimmer will come loose.
· Regularly checking your account balance for unusual transactions.
If you notice anything strange on an Allied ATM, please let us know. You can also download the Allied mobile app to quickly view your transactions and notice fraud.