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Heads up: there's a card skimming scam happening locally. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from fraud.

Don’t Get Fooled by Card Skimmers

It's scary to think that every time you use your debit or credit card at an ATM or gas pump, you could be targeted for fraud. Scammers can attach card readers (called skimmers) to machines to steal your card number, expiration date, and name from the magnetic strip. But don't worry! Staying alert and informed can help you avoid these scams. Here's what you need to know about card skimmers and how to spot them.

What are Card Skimmers?

Card skimmers are sneaky devices that thieves attach to real card readers. When you swipe your card, the skimmer grabs all the details from the magnetic stripe, like your card number, expiration date, and name. The thief usually puts the skimmer on the machine at night when no one is around and comes back later to collect the stolen data. Skimmers are often found on ATMs and gas pumps because they're left unattended overnight.

What Can the Scammer Do with the Data?

Once scammers have your card info, they can create clone cards or make purchases online. They can withdraw money from your account or make transactions using your card details.

What Should You Look for to Avoid Being Scammed?

Skimmers are usually small devices that fit over the existing card reader (smaller than a deck of cards). Scammers might also hide a camera nearby to record your PIN. The camera could be in the card reader, on top of the ATM, gas pump, or another machine. Sometimes, they even put a fake PIN pad over the real one to capture your PIN directly.

Spotting skimmers can be tricky because they blend in with the normal card reader. Look for signs of tampering like parts that stick out too far, are loose, jiggle, or are the wrong color. When you use a machine, check for anything that looks off, like different colors or materials, misaligned graphics, or anything else that seems strange. If something doesn't look right, don't use that ATM or card reader.

How to Spot a Card Skimmer:

1. A credit card reader that sticks out far past the panel. Skimmers are designed to fit over the existing credit card reader. If you notice a credit card reader that overhangs the rest of the machine, it may be a skimmer.
   
2. A security seal that has been voided. Gas stations often place a security label across the gas pump that lets you know if the cabinet panel on the fuel dispenser has been tampered with. When intact, the label has a flat red, blue, or black background.
   
   However, once the seal has been broken, the words "Void Open" appears in white. If the seal is broken, it's a sign that someone unauthorized has accessed the cabinet. Let the gas station attendant know and do not use your card at that pump.
3. A pin pad that's thicker than normal. In addition to a skimming device, fraudsters may place a fake keypad on top of the real one to capture your keystrokes. This way, they can capture your PIN or billing zip code in addition to your credit or debit card details.
4. Different colors or ATM components do not fit together correctly. Below the slot where you insert your card are raised arrows embedded in the machine's plastic casing, to give users a hint about where their cards go. You can see how the grey arrows are very close to the yellow reader housing, almost overlapping. That is a sign a skimmer was installed over the existing one, since the real card reader would have some space between the card slot and the arrows.
   
   
   

How to Protect Yourself:

1. Jiggle every part of the ATM or Point of Sale machine. These machines are built to be sturdy, but card skimmers are attached externally. If you jiggle different parts of the machine and they feel loose, it may be a skimmer. Avoid using that machine.
2. Protect your PIN. Whenever you enter your debit card's PIN, assume there is someone looking. Scammers can collect your PIN from watching over your shoulder or through a hidden camera. To protect your PIN, cover the keypad with your hand when you enter your PIN. Obtaining the PIN is essential, since the criminals can't use the stolen magnetic strip data without it.
3. Alternative transaction types. If the credit card terminal accepts alternative transaction types, consider using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Android Pay. These services tokenize your credit card information, so your personal information is never exposed. If a criminal somehow intercepts the information, he'll only get a useless virtual credit card number.
4. Avoid Using Your PIN at the Gas Pump. When you pay at the pump with your debit/credit card, you usually have the option to use it as a credit or a debit card. It's best to choose the credit option that allows you to avoid entering your PIN in sight of a Card Skimmer camera.
5. Use a debit or credit card with EMV Chip Technology. While EMV Chip cards can still have the date stolen from a card skimmer, the data cannot be used to create a cloned card because additional security components are not found on the magnetic strip.
6. Look for newer ATMs (like the ones offered by Advia Credit Union). New ATMs include antitampering devices, sometimes including radar systems intended to detect objects inserted or attached to the ATM.

How does Advia Credit Union protect you and help you if fraud happens on your account?

We take member financial safekeeping and identity protection seriously. When a member visits or calls, we will take steps to confirm their identity before providing financial assistance. Our Digital Banking solutions provide layers of account security, including secure access code protection and other strong password requirements. Finally, our Fraud Monitoring Team works 24 hours a day to protect financial security when making purchases with one’s Advia Debit or Credit Card. Advia’s fraud monitoring team will contact a member immediately if suspicious card activity is recognized, so updated contact information such as phone, email and address is key. This can be updated 24 hours a day within our Digital Banking solution.

If you feel that you’ve been a victim of fraud, please notify Advia immediately. We will advise you to close your compromised account to stop any further fraudulent transactions. We will then discuss with you how the possible fraud occurred and review your transaction history to see which transactions are legitimate. From there, a Risk Management Specialist will assist with figuring out the fraudulent activity.