Frankenmuth Insurance, its Agency Partners and personal lines policyholders are fortunate to be partnered with personal information management specialists ID Resolution to help defend against the the ever-growing threats of identity theft. To follow are several tips the organization offers – particularly timely as we move into the hustle of the holiday season:
Theft by Card Skimmers
A new generation of card skimmers hidden on ATMs and gas pumps are making it easier for thieves to clean out bank accounts. The latest devices use wireless technology to send stolen card numbers to thieves who don’t have to return to the scene of the crime to collect data. In some cases, skimmers have sent stolen numbers using Bluetooth technology and text messages.
While local agencies don’t keep exact statistics on how many skimmers have been found in Colorado in recent years, it’s believed the illegal trade brings in more than $1 billion for thieves on the national level.
Banking and law enforcement officials report skimmers are most recently turning up more often on gas pumps. Thieves, using a universal key, can open up the front panels of some common gas pumps models and install card skimmers on the inside of the machine without concealing a device on the exterior. Whole false-front panels that incorporate card skimmers have been found on ATMs as well.
Numerous websites can be found claiming to sell custom-made card skimmers online. While the websites could be scams themselves, some websites incorporate videos showcasing their products and visual instructions on how to use them.
Protect yourself at the ATM
While banks routinely catch suspicious charges and fraud even before a card holder notices, it is recommended that you monitor your accounts daily. Report any suspicious transactions on your account immediately. The faster you report fraud, the greater the protection on your account.
– Choose an ATM in a well lighted area that’s near surveillance cameras.
– Some ATM machines are owned by private companies or even individual people. Choose merchants that you trust that are federally insured.
– Even before you enter your card, inspect the machine for anything out of the ordinary. Push down on the keypad to make sure the numbers don’t stick. Look out for transparent overlays on the machine that may be designed to record your pin.
– Some skimmers incorporate hidden cameras to record your pin. These cameras can be concealed in unassuming brochure boxes attached to the ATM machine.
– Don’t be afraid to give a slight tug on the card slot to make sure it’s not loose and actually part of the machine.
– Even when you enter your pin number, cover your hand for added measure.
– Some ATM models now include a photo attached to the ATM of what it should look like. Make sure the photo matches up with the appearance of the machine.
– If you notice any tampering with the machine, don’t use it and notify the bank or ATM owner.
Protect yourself at the gas pump
Because thieves use card readers installed behind gas pumps, it’s often impossible to tell if a machine has been tampered with.
– Some companies now use a safety seal sticker placed over the gap of a panel door or on the key-hole. If you see such sticker has been tampered with don’t use the machine and notify the clerk.
– When possible, use credit instead of debit at a gas pump. Credit can offer better protection.
– Use a pump that is in plain view of a security camera and well lighted.
If you feel uncomfortable pay for gas at a pump, you can always pay inside.
