About ATM card skimming
All around the world, ATM card skimming and PIN capturing is a growing problem. Card skimming is the theft of your account data (which is recorded in the magnetic strip on the back of your ATM card). This theft is carried out by criminals attaching electronic card reading devices to the top of the card readers.
Usually, card skimming is supported by a camera or other devices placed over the existing keypads to record PINs as they are entered. This is known as PIN Capturing. Cameras can be as small as the tip of a pen so can be very difficult to detect. Technology can also be used to wirelessly transmit captured data to other devices or criminals waiting nearby. This is why it is so important to cover your hand when entering your PIN.
Stolen card data can be used to duplicate ATM or credit cards and is used with the captured PIN to steal money from customer accounts.
What can you do about card skimming?
The devices used by criminal card skimmers can be very hard to detect. All ATM operators regularly check ATMs for illegal attachments, but it's a good idea to check out any ATM for yourself first. If there are signs that the machine has been tampered with or that the card reader or keypad just doesn't seem quite right, it may be safest not to proceed with your transaction. You should immediately report your concerns to the police or your card issuer.
Should you notice any unusual transactions on your account you should notify your card issuer immediately.