Amoco

Online Safety and Security 

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Card Skimming and PIN Capturing

Skimming is the act of capturing magnetic information from a credit or ATM card and then using it for fraudulent purposes. Skimming can be performed either with a handheld device or a magnetic reader attached to an ATM, Debit, or Check card portal. These devices are typically smaller than a deck of cards and are fastened to an ATM's card reader. PIN capturing refers to a method of strategically attaching cameras and various other imaging devices to ATMs in order to capture the users PIN number. These two devices work hand in hand as the skimmer captures the card information and the PIN capturing device captures the PIN number.

Skimming devices are usually attached for only a few hours, and normally late at night or early in the morning, and during other hours of low traffic. Criminals install equipment on at least two areas of an ATM to steal both the ATM card number and the PIN. 

Here is an example of a skimming device being attached to an ATM (though there are many different kinds of skimmers):

To help prevent your card from being skimmed:

• Use an ATM that you are familiar with, in a well lighted area. This will allow you to better spot something unusual or out of place.
• If you use an ATM at an unfamiliar location, inspect it for any signs of tampering.
• If an ATM or credit card machine looks tampered with, try to find an alternate machine.
• Protect your PIN number with your body when you enter it into an ATM machine.
• If a waiter or store clerk must take your card in order to charge it, try to keep the person in sight as they do so.

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