Consumer Reports recently posted on their blog about the recent upswing in gas-pump and ATM debit card skimmers.  Banks have reported a sharp rise in this type of crime, especially at gas pumps, where some crooks are even using Bluetooth devices to make their job even easier.  Stealing consumer’s ATM info is more lucrative for thieves since accessing your bank account is as good as cash – unlike normal credit card theft where goods are usually bought and resold.

Many crooks install their own device behind the keypad of the ATM and grab your card info and password right off the machine.  Others physically swipe the card into there own device during your transaction.  Here are a couple few tips for reducing your risk: 

• Don’t use a debit card at gas stations or unfamiliar ATMs.
• Avoid entering your pin code.  Use a credit card or, if you must use your debit card, choose the ‘credit’ instead of ‘debit’ button and you won’t have to risk entering your pin number.  The card will still deduct the funds from your bank account.
• Only withdraw cash from your bank’s ATM – avoid those dirty, dingy ATMs found outside convenience stores and bodegas.
• Be alert. Keep an eye on your credit or ATM card in clear view.  If the counter-person or gas station attendant handling your transaction gets cute and your card disappears from view, you may be getting ‘skimmed’.  I know people (family members) who’ve had this happen to them.