Card Skimming

What is Card Skimming?

Card Skimming is making a copy of the information encoded on the magnetic strip of a credit or ATM card, so fraudsters can use the stolen information to make purchases, or get cash from your bank account.

• There are various types of skimming devices designed to be used in different environments, from hand held devices to door access skimmers and miniature card entry slot skimmers.
• When used on ATMs, skimming devices are often fastened closely to, or on top of an ATM's installed card reader. When removed from the ATM, a skimmer allows fraudsters to download personal data belonging to everyone who has used the ATM.
• Such personal information includes account numbers, balances, and verification codes belonging to each cardholder.
• The disguise of skimming devices by fraudsters can make it very difficult for ATM users to detect.