How To Protect Yourself From ATM Skimming
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How To Protect Yourself From ATM Skimming
Identity theft is getting harder and harder to detect these days. Aside from the common modus operandi being operated by unscrupulous individuals nowadays, there takes place another form that has operatives scratching their heads for answers. This one is called skimming where thieves use hidden cameras, place fake keypads over the real ones, or record keystrokes. They also have small electronic devices placed inside the slots so they can record magnetic devices for the transmittal of their account information. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently warned the public to be aware after a Bulgarian national was put to prison for 21 months when he and a group attempted to steal more than $1.8 Million from 1.400 bank accounts around New York. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), thieves tamper with ATM machines so they can steal unsuspecting victims their personal identification numbers (PIN Number) or debit card numbers. "Skimming devices often blend in with the ATMs," says BBB spokeswoman Alison Southwick in a statement. "You could become a victim if you are using your ATM machine. This is important to check your accounts more frequent than you can imagine so you can see any wrong transactions in your account. This is also to minimize your losses than can be incurred.” Here are ways to protect your ATM Card: 1. Inspect the Machine- Before inserting your ATM Card into the slot, make sure not only to look around for suspicious individuals but make sure to inspect the machine too. Look for anything loose, crooked tape, scratches or any damage. When you feel that the machine is tampered with, then don’t use it. 2. Block the Keypad- In protecting your ATM Card, make sure that you cover your hand first before pressing the keys. This is to ensure that whether there is a hidden camera in the ATM machine or the person behind you just wants to know your PIN Number, you won’t be found out that easily. 3. Choose the ATM Machine- Don’t use ATM machines that are located in an uncomfortable area such as a park or a parking lot. Don’t use ATMs located in tourist spots too. Instead use ATM Machines that are located inside a building, preferably within the bank premises as well. These machines have less chances of being skimmed. 4. Keep an Eye out on your Accounts- Even the most observant person can fall victim to skimmers. It’s always essential that you should always keep an eye out on your accounts - the transactions you have made, the breakdown of debts and charges - since you can immediately report to authorities if you suspect your card of being tampered with. 5. Report to those in Authority Immediately- Once you’ve noticed that you are being skimmed, report to the authorities immediately. Report to your bank, as well, so they can cancel your card and take some necessary actions. When you don’t do this immediately, your account can be cleaned in an instant and you won’t have the chance of capturing the criminal. Joy is an active blogger who shares interesting finance management tips over the web. She also suggests people to do a free credit score check regularly. Follow her and discover more about the exciting secret commercial contest where you can suggest a commercial ending and win amazing prizes.
Identity theft is getting harder and harder to detect these days. Aside from the common modus operandi being operated by unscrupulous individuals nowadays, there takes place another form that has operatives scratching their heads for answers. This one is called skimming where thieves use hidden cameras, place fake keypads over the real ones, or record keystrokes. They also have small electronic devices placed inside the slots so they can record magnetic devices for the transmittal of their account information. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently warned the public to be aware after a Bulgarian national was put to prison for 21 months when he and a group attempted to steal more than $1.8 Million from 1.400 bank accounts around New York. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), thieves tamper with ATM machines so they can steal unsuspecting victims their personal identification numbers (PIN Number) or debit card numbers. "Skimming devices often blend in with the ATMs," says BBB spokeswoman Alison Southwick in a statement. "You could become a victim if you are using your ATM machine. This is important to check your accounts more frequent than you can imagine so you can see any wrong transactions in your account. This is also to minimize your losses than can be incurred.” Here are ways to protect your ATM Card: 1. Inspect the Machine- Before inserting your ATM Card into the slot, make sure not only to look around for suspicious individuals but make sure to inspect the machine too. Look for anything loose, crooked tape, scratches or any damage. When you feel that the machine is tampered with, then don’t use it. 2. Block the Keypad- In protecting your ATM Card, make sure that you cover your hand first before pressing the keys. This is to ensure that whether there is a hidden camera in the ATM machine or the person behind you just wants to know your PIN Number, you won’t be found out that easily. 3. Choose the ATM Machine- Don’t use ATM machines that are located in an uncomfortable area such as a park or a parking lot. Don’t use ATMs located in tourist spots too. Instead use ATM Machines that are located inside a building, preferably within the bank premises as well. These machines have less chances of being skimmed. 4. Keep an Eye out on your Accounts- Even the most observant person can fall victim to skimmers. It’s always essential that you should always keep an eye out on your accounts - the transactions you have made, the breakdown of debts and charges - since you can immediately report to authorities if you suspect your card of being tampered with. 5. Report to those in Authority Immediately- Once you’ve noticed that you are being skimmed, report to the authorities immediately. Report to your bank, as well, so they can cancel your card and take some necessary actions. When you don’t do this immediately, your account can be cleaned in an instant and you won’t have the chance of capturing the criminal. Joy is an active blogger who shares interesting finance management tips over the web. She also suggests people to do a free credit score check regularly. Follow her and discover more about the exciting secret commercial contest where you can suggest a commercial ending and win amazing prizes.
