ATM Card Skimming

You may have all heard about a type of fraud known as ‘card skimming.’ This is the illegal copying of information from the magnetic strip of a credit or ATM card by a device that has been illegally attached to an ATM or EFTPOS terminal.

But if you’re like me things like ‘card skimming’ always happens to other people…..which is why I wanted to warn you

Recently a card skimming incident was confirmed local area at Toronto (thankfully this wasn’t one of our members or ATM’s), as the ATM and IT manager here at Companion Credit Union I wanted to make you aware that this type of fraud is creeping into the Hunter region so you can protect your card details better.

This fraud is achieved by placing a card reader on the outside of the card slot on an ATM so that when you insert your card into the ATM it passes the skimmer stuck to the card slot of the ATM and the data on your card is read by the skimming device. This device is able to store or transmit your details to the fraudsters who then create a fake or ‘cloned’ card with your details on it. The scammer is then able to run up charges on your account.

It always pays to be alert, ensure that your local ATM looks as it normally does, that there are no additional features on the front of the ATM and in particular no brochure holders stuck to the side of the ATM where a small camera could be concealed.

If in doubt call your financial institution and report your findings, keep a close eye on your statements or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

You can also read more about fraud at Scamwatch a government run website.

Examples of card skimming devices;