Credit Card Big List

Are you safe when you swipe?

If you watch the news regularly, you have probably heard of a debit card scam called “skimming”, in which scammers hide sophisticated “skimming” devices, such as miniature cameras, in public cash machines or credit card machines to record your card details and personal identification number (PIN). Once the data is stolen, the information is then encoded onto a counterfeit card and used to withdraw funds directly from your bank accounts.

As technology advances, so do skimming techniques. Many look exactly like bank card swiping devices, making it difficult to detect that one has been installed. Gas stations, convenience stores and liquor stores are hot spots for skimming scams, because it is easy for thieves to attach illegal card skimmers to their card readers or ATMs.

Fortunately, you can protect yourself from skimming by following these tips:

• Use secure ATM machines under video surveillance or inside of a bank. Thieves face greater risk installing skimmers where there are security cameras or other forms of protection.
• Cover your ATM keypad when you enter your PIN. That helps avoid shoulder surfers or surveillance cameras capturing your PIN.
• Be alert. Skimming devices usually stick out a few extra inches from an ATM machine. If you notice something strange, find another ATM.
• Don’t be fooled. Never use a machine that has a sticker or sign that says “Machine Broken- Swipe Here”. A legitimate machine will not instruct you to anything out of the ordinary.
• Act quickly if there’s a problem. If a machine keeps your card, call your bank immediately.
• If you think that you have been victimized by an identity thief, act quickly.