With the economy still in a downturn and with people needing money, thieves are resorting to more technical ways of stealing your money. One way that is rising is by a technique called “skimming”. Skimming is when someone uses a special device that reads the magnetic strip on the back of your debit card as soon as you punch in your PIN number. This is especially prevalent at the gas pumps. All that is needed is an employee at a gas station with a key to open the pumps for someone to place the card reading device inside of the pump. It’s not just gas pumps that you have to be wary of either. It is ATM’s, POS stations or anywhere you slide your card and punch in a pin number. Gas stations are particularly easy for a skimming device.

Once the thieves have your pin number and the information on your magnetic strip, they can put the information on a blank debit card and withdraw money from your account. The skimmer is a card reader that fits right over the original card reader to capture the card information and there could also be a fake keypad over the original key pad to capture your PIN number easier. There are several ways to protect yourself though as long as you are vigilant when using a reader. If something doesn’t look right, see if you can move the card reader at all. The fake reader will seem loose or may come off in your hand. Watch out for stickers that may read “No Tampering” or “Scan Your Card Here First”. These stickers are designed to distract your attention from the scanner.

When you use an ATM, use one at a bank instead of a free standing one or one in a convenience store. Also try to use one that you are familiar with so you will notice anything out of the ordinary. When you have to use a debit card at a gas pump, use the “credit” button instead of the “debit” button, that way you won’t have to punch in a PIN number and the thieves will not get it. Another thing to watch out for is someone dressed like an ATM technician or something similar that is working on the machine and offers to help you with your card because he may be a criminal installing a card skimmer and it will be easier for him to get the information off of the card.

Be vigilant when using your debit card. Do not say your PIN number out loud when using the card and use your hands to cover the key pad the best that you can so no one will be able to see it. Check your credit card and bank statements closely when you get them to be sure that no one unauthorized is using your card to steal your money or credit.