Anti-Skimming Solutions

What is credit card skimming?

Credit card skimming is a method used by criminals to steal credit card information. Debit cards can also be skimmed in the same way, i.e. debit card skimming.

Fraudsters engaged in skimming attach devices called card skimmers to ATMs, gas pumps, or point-of-sale terminals to capture card data during transactions. When you pass your card into the slot, thinking it is a safe ATM, gas pump, etc, you are unknowingly passing your card through the card skimmer before it enters the actual machine. To you, the transaction seems normal – but your card information has been stolen. This stolen information can then be used for fraudulent activities. A skimming device can capture and store card information from hundreds of cards before it is emptied by the thief.

Some thiefs will use skimmers together with miniature cameras to also capture your PIN as you enter it and/or capture the four-digit safety code found on the back of your card.

Types of anti-skimming solutions

EMV Chip Cards

EMV (Europay, MasterCard, and Visa) chip cards are designed to provide more secure transactions than traditional magnetic stripe cards. They use a unique transaction code that cannot be reused, making it difficult for skimmers to replicate.

Skimming Detection Devices

Banks and merchants can install skimming detection devices on ATMs and card readers. These devices can detect and alert for any unauthorized attachments or tampering attempts.

Inceased security

Increase security around ATMs, gas pumps and similar can be used to deter, detect and report suspicious activities – including skimming attempts. This can for instance involve cameras and better lighting, AI programs that scans security films in real-time, hiring human security staff, and having the ATM inside a bank instead of in the street.

Contactless Payments

Contactless payment methods, such as NFC (Near Field Communication) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), reduce the risk of skimming since the card never leaves the cardholder’s possession. Transactions are completed by tapping or waving the card near the reader.

Card Protection Sleeves

A special type of skimmer exist which can capture card information wirelessly from a contactless card. Today, improved security have made this type of skimming rare, but some card users still prefer to keep their cards in RFID-blocking sleeves and wallets designed to protect contactless cards from unauthorized scans.

Best practices for cardholders

Inspect Card Readers

Before using an ATM or card reader, inspect it for signs of tampering. Look for loose or bulky attachments, and avoid using devices that appear suspicious.

Familiarize yourself with the legitimite contraptions used by banks to prevent thiefs from attaching skimmers, because sometimes these devices also look like a “bulky attachment”.

Monitor Account Activity

Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Promptly report any suspicious activity to your bank or card issuer.

Use ATMs in Safe Locations

Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, busy areas. These locations are less likely to be targeted by skimmers.

Enable Alerts

Set up transaction alerts with your bank or card issuer. These alerts notify you of any transactions on your account, helping you quickly identify and respond to unauthorized activity.

A broader definition of skimming

It is good to keep in mind that in some contexts, anti-fraud experts use the term card skimming to denote any action where personal card information used in an otherwise normal transaction is stolen for criminal purposes. In this case, no special device need to be involved – it is considered card skimming anyway.

In this broader sense, a criminal can for instance get hold of card information when a guest in a restaurant or hotel hand their card over to be used out-of-sight. Skilled individuals can also memorize information simply by getting a chance to see the card – no actual photocopying or taking down notes required. In this manner, they can also memorize the four-digit card security code which is not stored on the magnetic strip.

Skimming sometimes occur when card users hand over their credit card information to pay for goods and services over the phone, or send their information online.

Conclusion

Anti-skimming protection involves a combination of advanced technologies and best practices to safeguard your card information. By using EMV chip cards, skimming detection devices, contactless payment methods, and protective accessories, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to skimming. Additionally, staying vigilant and monitoring your account activity are crucial steps in maintaining your financial security.