Is that a credit card skimmer? How to spot them on California gas pumps, ATMs to avoid fraud

California has seen an increase in card skimming over the past few years, with fraudulent activity popping up across the state.

Skimming devices have been spotted from Bakersfield to Sacramento.

These devices are installed on top of card readers in order to record customers’ personal information, including credit and debit card numbers.

That information is used to steal money as well as to commit identity theft.

Skimming costs financial institutions and consumers more than $1 billion each year, the FBI said.

Here’s what to know to stay protected from fraud:

What is credit card skimming?

Credit and debit card skimming usually occurs at ATMs, gas stations and stores, according to the FBI.

The illegal activity usually involves someone installing an “undetectable device” on or near an ATM, fuel pump or point-of-sale terminal that can record bank information data, the agency said.

“Criminals use the data to create fake payment cards and then make unauthorized purchases or steal from victims’ accounts,” the FBI said.

In 2023, more than 315,000 cards were compromised by skimming activity, data analytics company FICO said, up 96% from 2022.

More than 3,500 financial institutions were impacted by skimmers in 2023, FICO said, and bank ATM compromises increasedd by 90% compared to 2022.

How can I spot a credit card skimmer?

Here are some ways to spot a credit card skimmer, according to Capital One.

Here’s what to do:

• Look at the card reader: Is any piece of the machine bulging? Does it look like part of the machine is covering something it shouldn’t?

• Inspect the card reader: Does the machine feel like it is coming apart?
• Check the security seal: Look for skimming devices by checking to see if there’s an intact security seal near the card reader. Is the pump panel is open? Does it have a broken seal?
• Compare with other gas pumps and machines: Look around to see if the fuel pumps or ATMs around you look the same as yours.

These could be signs that the reader has been tampered with, and a skimmer installed.

How can I avoid a card skimmer at the gas pump?

Here are some tips from the FBI to avoid skimmers at the gas pump:

• Choose a fuel pump that is closer to the store and in direct view of the attendant. These pumps are less likely to be targets for skimmers.
• Run your debit card as a credit card. If that’s not an option, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN.
• Consider paying inside with the attendant, not outside at the pump.
• Tap the card instead of swiping or inserting it when paying at the pump. Tap-to-pay transactions are more secure and less likely to be compromised.

What’s the best way to protect myself at the ATM?

To protect yourself from skimmers at the ATM, the FBI recommends following these steps:

• Don’t use an ATM if you notice anything unusual, such as any loose, crooked, damage or scratched equipment.
• Use ATMs in a well-lit, indoor location.
• Use extra caution in high-traffic tourist areas, as these are common targets for skimmers. Use debit and credit cards with chip technology.
• Use a credit card when possible rather than a debit card, so you can catch fraudulent charges before you pay them.

How to report card skimmers

If you fall victim to card skimmers, you should immediately contact your bank, according to federal website USA.gov.

If you see a skimming device, you should call the authorities.

To report identity theft, USA.gov said, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission online at IdentityTheft.gov or by calling 1-877-438-4338.

You should also reach out the three major credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — and ask them to place fraud alerts and a credit freeze on your accounts.

In addition, you should contact the fraud department at your credit card issuer, bank and other places where you have accounts, the site said.

The Federal Trade Commission advises anyone whose debit or credit card Information was exposed to do the following:

• Contact your bank or credit card company to cancel your card and request a new one.
• Review your transactions regularly to make sure no one misused your card.
• Update any automatic payments with your new card number.
• Check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com.

This story was originally published January 13, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Is that a credit card skimmer? How to spot them on California gas pumps, ATMs to avoid fraud."