Skimmers on gas pumps and ATMs have been popular ways for scammers to get your credit card information. But now thieves are back with a much slimmer version called "shimmers."
Jim Hegarty with the Better Business Bureau says they can be quickly installed by crooks to grab the data off the card's magnetic strip. After gathering data from consumers, the thieves return to the machine to pick up the skimmer containing all the stolen data. They use a special card that fits inside the reader as the criminal pretends to make a purchase or withdrawal.
"Within a matter of minutes, they can create cloned cards with the stolen information and begin making purchases or withdrawing cash from ATMs," Hegarty says.
The shimmers have been confirmed in other states, but Hegarty is certain they are in the metro area waiting for unsuspecting victims.
Hegarty suggests you always keep a close eye on your credit card statements/debit accounts and immediately report any suspicious activity. He says if something seems peculiar during a transaction or ATM withdrawal to make the store or bank aware of it.
To protect from shimmers, the BBB suggests:
- Consider making payments for gas inside the station or store if possible
- If withdrawing cash at a bank during normal hours, consider going inside to a teller
- Use ATMs in banks rather than less monitored and less secure standalones
- Cover the keypad with your hand when entering a PIN number
- Don’t proceed with a transaction if your card encounters resistance when it is inserted
- Contact the bank, merchant and the card issuer if you suspect your card has been compromised