Protecting Yourself Against ATM Skimmers
ATM Skimmers are devices that criminals place over or on ATM machines to steal your card information, including your pin number. While the tricks used by these thieves can be complicated, there are a handful of simple methods to properly protect your financial information:.
Choose your ATMs wisely
Look for ones that are within bank perimeters, well lit and/or on busy streets. If possible, try to always use the same ATM, since it will be easier to identify abnormalities.
Hide your pin!
Even though you may be alone, that doesn’t mean you are not being watched. Modern day skimmers now also hide little cameras to register you inputting your PIN. If you take the simple precaution of covering your hand while inputting your information, you’ll help prevent the criminal from getting this information..
Look for abnormalities
Most skimmers have to attach their skimming machine over the real ATM using simple adhesives since they often have to quickly remove the device. Check the machine to see if the input device wobbles or seems unattached. If it is, use another machine. Also look for out-of-place cameras and keypad overlays that can also capture your pin number.
Report the abnormalities
If you card is not returned after the transaction or after hitting “cancel,” immediately contact the financial institution that issued the card.
Check your accounts regularly
To decrease the chances of cyber criminals running away with all your money, check your accounts regularly and immediately follow up on any suspicious activities.
The information provided in the Monthly Security Tips Newsletters is intended to increase the security awareness of an organization’s end users and to help them behave in a more secure manner within their work environment. While some of the tips may relate to maintaining a home computer, the increased awareness is intended to help improve the organization’s overall cyber security posture. This is especially critical if employees access their work network from their home computer.
