Why tackling 'skimming' is the answer to ATM credit card fraud

October 5, 2007

Fraudsters are extremely clever these days and they are forever finding new ways to get to your credit card details. One particularly common way of stealing your credit card information from you, is to use what is known as a “skimming” device that is attached to ATM machines.

ATM skimming is a problem that is affecting not only the UK, but the whole of Europe. It is estimated that there has been just over a 30% increase in the amount of skimming that is taking place in Europe from 2005-2006. In fact the figures show that there was an astounding 306 million euros stolen from ATMS through the use of skimming in the year 2006. It is now likely that the sum of money lost in 2007 will be either roughly the same or even slightly higher.

So just what is ATM skimming? Well it is basically where a fraudster places some kind of device on/in the ATM machine. That device then reads your card details whenever you use the ATM machine. It could be a false front, a device which fits inside the machine or a small camera that is fitted into the machine that will record your pin details as soon as you type them in.

Some of these devices are really clever and the only one you can really protect yourself from is the hidden camera. Simply learn to cover up your details by placing your hand over the keypad so that if there is a camera there, it will not be able to see what you are typing. It may seem a little extreme, but it is always better to be safe rather than sorry.

Overall skimming is a real problem and there are no clear signs that an ATM has been tampered with. So this makes it really difficult to know whether you can trust the machine or not. If you do suspect that you have been a victim of credit card skimming then it would be a good idea to contact the bank or the police and inform them of the ATM that you used. They will then be able to carry out an investigation for you.