Protect yourself when paying debit or credit. Here are 10 tips to prevent skimming fraud

Authorities across the tri-state are warning people of ATMs compromised by skimmer devices.

Lee Danuff

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Mar 4, 2024, 8:48 AM

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Updated 264 days ago

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Authorities across the tri-state are warning people of ATMs compromised by skimmer devices.

The First United Credit Union shared 10 tips to prevent card skimming fraud.

It says skimming is a way that thieves can collect your data when you use a credit or debit card, most frequently at a gas pump or ATM.

The skimmers themselves may be difficult to detect. They are often installed on the outside of machines but are made to look like they belong there.

It could be a device attached over a card slot or a small camera installed to record your PIN.

First United Credit Union suggests following these guidelines to avoid being skimmed.

1. INSPECT THE MACHINE

Inspect the machine to see if anything has been tampered with.

2. USE BANK ATMS

Try to use bank ATMs as skimming occurs more at privately owned ATMs.

3. INSPECT KEYPAD

Inspect the keypad to see if anything looks or feels strange.

4. PROTECT YOUR PIN

Protect your PIN by putting your hand over the keypad so no one can see your personal identification.

5. USE A MOBILE WALLET

Use a mobile wallet - such as Apple Pay or Google Pay - instead of swiping your card.

MORE: 17 tips to keep you safe from phishing schemes

6. PAY INSIDE

Go inside a service station to pay instead of paying at the pump.

7. PUBLIC MACHINES

Use a machine that is in public and may have a camera because those are less likely to be tampered with.

8. MONITOR YOUR ACCOUNTS

Monitor your accounts to see if there are strange charges.

MORE: 4 tips to dispute a credit card charge

9. GET ALERTS

Get alerts from your credit card/bank to help avoid fraudulent transactions.

MORE: Identity theft can happen to anyone. Reduce your risk with these 4 tips

10. USE A DIFFERENT PAYMENT METHOD

If you think a reader may be compromised, use a different machine or payment method.