In a version of identity theft known as skimming, crooks have for several years now been placing small machines, or skimmers, in the card slots of ATMs in order to steal credit and debit card numbers from unsuspecting patrons. However, in a new twist, identity thieves are now also installing these machines at gas stations where you can pay at the pump. This practice has already been discovered in at least five states in the U.S.
You may think it would be easy to look at a card reader and see that it has been altered in some way before you insert your debit or credit card. However, most people aren’t expecting this to be the case and don’t look closely and the technology on some of the skimmers is so advanced that they are virtually undetectable. In fact, a skimmer may remain in place for months at a time, not even noticed by employees of the establishment.
Since you may not notice when you insert your card into a machine that has a skimmer, which is directly attached to the legitimate card reader, it could be months before you realize that an identity thief has stolen your card number, and sometimes even your PIN. Most victims only find out after the thief starts making illegitimate purchases or withdrawals from their accounts, often to the tune of thousands of dollars or more.
What can you do to protect yourself?
One thing you can do to avoid becoming a victim of skimming is not use any gas pumps or ATMs where the card reader looks iffy, like it may have been tampered with. However, as mentioned earlier, you will not be able to spot all skimming machines so easily
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Another thing you can do is avoid paying at the pump or using ATMs as much as possible. If you can, pay inside the gas station building and make deposits and withdraw cash at the counter or drive through window of your financial institution. If you deal with an actual person, you can be reassured that you’re not dealing with a remote identity thief.
Third, get a copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus at least once a year. Also, always read your account statements and keep a close eye for any suspicious activity on your accounts, even something as benign as an “accidental†change of address.
And lastly, consider purchasing an identity theft protection service. That way you won’t have to guess, you will know that you are protected in the case that an identity thief does strike. There is no way to completely protect yourself from skimmers, so it is best to work to protect yourself from identity theft attacks by utilizing fraud alerts.
Many companies, such as TrustedID and LifeLock, even offer insurance or a guarantee to take care of a good deal of your expenses if you ever become a victim while under the care of their services. To find out more about these companies, and additional ones that may be right for you, please see our comparison chart on our homepage.
Lt. Bobby Sebby of the Las Vegas Police Department was quoted in the August 6, 2008, issue of USA Today as saying, “With identity theft, it’s not a matter of if you’re going to be a victim; it’s a matter of when.†Protect yourself from identity theft today.