Card skimmers are more advanced than ever, hiding in ATMs and other payment machines, ready to steal your financial data. While you can never be completely safe, there are a few ways you can spot a card skimmer waiting to steal your private data.

What Is Card Skimming?

Card skimmers are physical devices installed on ATMs and in-store card readers by criminals. By doing so, the criminal can use your card details to make purchases without physically stealing your card. Perhaps more dangerous is that your card details might also be sold on the dark web or used to create counterfeit cards in your name. So, in addition to the initial wave of purchases and withdrawals from your account, card skimming might also lead to more fraudulent activities.

Although credit card skimmers are fairly inconspicuous, the device is designed to effectively read the magnetic strip on your card as soon as you insert it into a card reader. If the criminal went the extra mile to replace the real keypad with a fake one, your PIN might also be compromised. Once your details are captured, the criminal can use it themselves or sell it.

While card skimmers can be installed on nearly any point-of-sale (POS) system, they’re most common at gas pumps, ATMs, and in-store self-checkout kiosks. Criminals choose these locations strategically because they’re high-traffic areas with minimal security oversight.

I learned about card skimming the hard way. A few months ago, I stopped at a gas station to fill my tank. I didn’t pay attention to the card reader, and everything was normal for the next few days. The following weekend, I received a series of messages from my credit card provider about charges I never made. Digging into it, I found that the charges were made in a different state. I called my credit card company, confused, since I had my card with me and wasn’t sure how the charges were made.

They confirmed that my card had been skimmed—and I’ve been extremely careful using ATMs and other POS systems since then.

How to Spot a Card Skimmer

Skimming devices are designed not to be overtly visible or distinguishable from the real thing. Still, there are ways you can spot a card skimmer.

1. Tampered Security Seal

Gas pumps usually have a large security label stuck near the card reader. If a criminal opens the pump panel to attach a skimming device, the label will read “Void.” If you check this, you will see that the machine might have been tampered with. Thieves might also try sticking a new counterfeit seal over the tampered sticker, so inspect the seal carefully before swiping your card.

2. The Card Reader Is Misaligned or Moves

You should also check if the card reader is intact before paying. If you see any part out of alignment or raised, a skimmer might be installed. Another sign of tampering is if the card reader moves. An untampered card reader will not wiggle or feel loose. So, before you insert your card in, check if the reader looks like the ones you usually see. If anything looks bulky, oddly shaped, or unsteady, report it to an employee and find another ATM or POS system.

3. Cameras Pointed at the Keypad

Skimmers sometimes use a camera in addition to the skimming device to improve their odds of capturing your PIN. So, before you insert your card into a reader, take a few seconds to inspect the area for cameras. Also, pay close attention to the space above the card reader. If a camera is installed, you’ll see a tiny hole or lens pointing at the keypad. If you have your smartphone with you, you can also try to find hidden cameras using your mobile phone.

How to Prevent Card Skimming

The most efficient way to prevent being scammed is by inspecting the card reader and keypad to spot skimming devices. However, there are other things you can do to protect yourself.

1. Choose ATMs Carefully

Unless you’re in dire need, it’s best to choose an ATM in a well-lit area with security. Likewise, if you are using the POS system at a retail outlet, choose one that is visible, like near the store’s checkout area or help desk.

You want to avoid using ATMs in isolated, dimly lit areas as much as possible. Before using the machine, pull or wiggle the card reader and keypad to see if these parts come off or move. Also, cover the pad with your hand while entering the PIN (this isn’t a fool-proof method, but it can help if cameras are pointing at the keypad).

2. Use the Tap-to-Pay Feature

Contactless cards and digital wallets are the safest to use in unknown or high-risk locations because they allow you to pay without inserting the card into the card reader. If you’re at a gas station, check if you can pay inside or via cash. This usually offers more security.

3. Monitor Your Transactions

Despite your best efforts to spot card-skimming devices, the risks are always there. Given this, monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly. This will help you catch any unauthorized transactions, which you can report and dispute with your bank.

What to Do if Your Card Is Skimmed

Like me, you might not realize your card was skimmed until days (or even weeks) later. However, what helped me was that I immediately spotted the unauthorized transactions and reported them to my bank. My card was blocked, and a replacement card was sent. Since I spotted this quickly, the impact was minimal.

If you’ve been a victim of card skimming, be sure to contact your card issuer at the earliest. The sooner you do this, the better you can protect your finances and avoid the risk of missing any unauthorized transactions. In most cases, you won’t be held responsible for the compromised account and will receive the stolen funds back.

Given that threats like card skimming are on the rise, the only thing you can do is stay vigilant. If the card reader looks suspicious, it’s best not to use it. And if you think you might be a victim of card skimming, report it to your bank immediately to secure your account and finances.