Scam Alert: Card Skimming

If you've been trying to keep up with the warnings about all the methods cyber thieves use to nab their victims' personal and financial information, you may be familiar with vishing, phishing and smishing. That's the lingo for fraud conducted via phone calls, emails, and text messages, respectively.

But did you know that everyday actions like withdrawing money from an ATM or paying for gasoline with your credit or debit card can also put you at risk?

Here's another term to add to your financial safety and security vocabulary: card skimming. Read on to learn more about how it works and what you can do to protect your personal identity and your money from this threat.

What Is Card Skimming?

Card skimming is a type of cyber crime in which thieves steal credit or debit card data that's transmitted when people swipe their cards. The most common way criminals capture the data is by secretly inserting a device called a skimmer into an ATM or retail card reader. Any location where debit or credit card transactions take place at non-chip-enabled terminals is especially vulnerable.

The criminals can then sell the data or use it to make purchases online, apply for credit in your name, or make fake credit cards.

Did you know? A gas station card reader that wiggles or appears unstable may have a skimmer on it.

How Do I Spot a Skimmer?

Being extra observant can help keep you from becoming a victim of card skimming. For example, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends inspecting the gas pump for security tape covering the cabinet panel. If the panel has been tampered with, the tape will display the word "void." It's also advisable to use gas pumps located closest to the attendant or pay inside the gas station.1

You can also check for tampering by wiggling various parts of the machine, like the card reader. ATMs and gas pumps are built sturdy, so any loose components could signal tampering.2

Most card skimmers use Bluetooth to transmit stolen data.2 Activate your Smartphone's Bluetooth when near a gas pump. If a long string of numbers attempts to connect, it could indicate a nearby skimmer using Bluetooth to steal information.2

What Else Can I Do to Protect Myself?

Here are some good practices to follow:

When possible, run your debit card as a credit purchase instead of entering a PIN like you do with a debit transaction.
If you must use a PIN, use your hand to cover the keypad so your entry can't be recorded. Besides using a skimming device, some scammers insert a tiny pinhole camera above the keypad area.
Regularly review your credit card and bank accounts regularly for unauthorized charges or withdrawals. Many banks allow you to set up card alerts that go straight to your phone or email inbox when certain types of transactions occur.

What If I Think My Card Has Been Compromised?

Report any suspicious activity on your card to your bank or card issuer. You may also wish to place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit report. That way, businesses must confirm your identity before approving a credit application in your name — an extra layer of protection against a card skimmer trying to use your stolen data this way.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do to fight card skimming is to pay attention — to the places where you use your cards, to the monthly statements showing your card activity, and to any incorrect or unexpected items in your credit report. Being alert won't stop cyber criminals from trying to steal your data and profit from it, but it can make it much harder for them to succeed.

Consider Signing Up for Credit Monitoring

Does remembering to regularly scan your credit report sound exhausting? Another option: Choose a service that will do the credit monitoring for you.

For example, as a Synovus Plus, Synovus Inspire, or Synovus Private Wealth customer, you can enroll in complimentary Financial Protection Services services through Carefull. Depending on the level of protection you have, Carefull will monitor your credit reports and notify you any time any changes are made. Carefull will also scan the web to make sure your personal information hasn't been compromised by checking websites, blogs, peer-to-peer networks. Carefull also offers full-service identity restoration if you become a victim of identity theft.

Learn more about how you can achieve peace of mind as a Synovus customer with Carefull.

Important disclosure information

Los Angeles County Consumer and Public Affairs, "Understanding Card Skimmers and How to Protect Yourself," published April 17, 2023. Accessed May 14, 2024. Back
The Office of Minnesota Attorney General, "ATM & Gas Pump Skimmers," accessed May 14, 2024. Back

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