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Following a recent arrest where a suspect was apprehended for theft and possession of a credit card skimmer at a local gas station, Central Marin Police Authority Investigations wanted to share the following information to our citizens -

Card skimming can occur when devices illegally installed on ATMs, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, or fuel pumps collect data from the magnetic strip on your credit or debit card at the time you use it. The stolen information can be sold and used to create counterfeit credit and debit cards.

- How Skimming Happens - 

ATM and POS Terminal Skimming:

ATM Skimming Devices are typically installed on the outside of machines and look as if they belong there. High-quality devices are attached over the card reader and others are placed inside the terminal.

Sometimes, a tiny camera might be installed nearby to record your PIN as you enter it or an artificial keypad could be placed over the existing one to record your keystrokes.

Fuel Pump Skimming:

Fuel Pump Skimmers are usually attached to the internal wiring of the machine and are not visible.

ATM, POS and Fuel Pump Skimming devices store victim data and the device is either removed by the suspect or the data can be wirelessly transferred.

Tips to Avoid Being Skimmed

Follow these guidelines every time you use your card. While fraud is not 100% preventable, these may help you.

1. Do a quick scan. Before using any machine, take a look to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with. If the card reader seems loose, crooked, or damaged, if the graphics aren’t aligned, or if part of the machine is a different color, don’t insert or swipe your card. If there is another machine nearby (such as two ATM machines next to each other) compare them to see if there are obvious differences. For example, if one machine has a flashing slot to insert your card and the other doesn’t, that may be an indication that there is something wrong.

2. Be wary of non-bank ATMs. FICO reports that 60% of skimming occurs at privately-owned ATMs. These are typically cash-dispensing machines and tend to be located in convenience stores, bars, restaurants, grocery stores, or check cashing establishments.

3. Check the keypad. If the numbers are hard to press or feel thick, it might have a false keypad installed and you should move on to the next machine.

4. Block your PIN. When entering your PIN, cover the keypad with your other hand in case a camera is recording your number.

5. Use mobile wallet. An alternative to swiping your card is paying by mobile wallet including Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay. This form of payment is secure because your credit card information is tokenized and rendered useless if a thief where to get a hold of it.

6. Pay inside. If your local gas station hasn't yet updated their pumps to accept mobile wallet or you aren't sure if the machine is safe to use, go inside the service station to pay.

7. Stay in public view. Always try to use machines that are in public view with security monitoring – these machines are less likely to be tampered with. For additional protection, use a machine inside the store or an ATM inside your bank.

8. Check your account regularly. Technology is advancing and so are skimming devices so the best thing you can do is monitor your account. Rather than wait for your monthly statement, check your account regularly using online and mobile banking.

9. Sign up for alerts. See what type of fraud alert system your card provider has in place and take advantage of it.

10. Above all, trust your instincts. If you suspect foul play, or if you’re in doubt about the authenticity of a machine, use a different machine or payment method.

If You Suspect a Skimming Device:

Marin County Consumers can report suspected skimmers to the Marin County Weights and Measures Department (phone: (415) 473-7888 or online form: https://www.marincounty.org/depts/ag/consumer-complaint-form)

https://www.marincounty.org/depts/ag/consumer-protection

If You Suspect Your Card Has Been Compromised

Contact your financial institution immediately.