Choose your Sector ▾ United Kingdom Home News & Updates Rise of Card Skimming & How to Keep Protected 1st Apr 2021 #Security EMAIL FACEBOOK TWITTER LINKEDIN Rise of Card Skimming & How to Keep Protected Criminals are becoming more and more sophisticated when it comes to stealing card information. Recent times have seen a significant rise in the number of skimming attacks on ATMs. Our Field Technicians around the West Coast States have witnessed this firsthand while making their routine on-site visits with our customers. As a result of their extra attention to detail and field knowledge, they're spotting these devices and helping to protect our clients and their customers from significant losses. What is skimming? Skimming is the installation of an unauthorized device to capture and collect card details and PIN codes. Skimming devices are made to look like part of the ATM and, if undetected, multiple cards can be compromised in one attack. The stolen card information is used - without the knowledge of the customers - to produce counterfeit cards for subsequent fraudulent unauthorized cash withdrawals. Types of skimming Overlay Skimmers Digital / Analogue Skimming Eavesdropping Insert Skimming Card Shimming How to keep protected from skimming attacks There are several ways to identify skimmers when using an ATM. These can help keep you protected and are worth the small amount of time it takes. Overlay Skimmers The most common method of skimming is at the card reader. Criminals will place a skimmer over the ATM's card reader which often blend right in and look like part of the original machine. Before inserting your card, look for signs of tampering, tape or glue, bulkiness or any loose fitting parts or attachments. Hidden Cameras Along with the skimmer attached to the card reader, criminals will include a camera to record the PIN and are often very hard to detect. Be sure to shield your PIN as a best practice measure. Additionaly, check for any small holes in and around the keypad area, panels above the machine or any parts that look like they may be 'stuck' on. Keypad overlays Another method used to capture PINs are overlays of a thin keypad on top of the original keypad. This device relays the keypresses so that the ATM functions as normal, but the overlay keypad is recording the PIN entry process. If these are used with card traps, criminals can make use of the card details instantly. Keep an eye out for any loose, spongey, thick, or raised keypads. Card Traps Criminals will use card traps, also known as 'Lebanese Loops', to prevent the card being returned after a transaction is made. If your card becomes stuck in the machine, it's best to stay with your card and call your bank instead of leaving it and reporting it later, as a criminal could be nearby waiting to remove it. Shoulder Surfers Skimming attacks often mean the criminals are nearby to retrieve the stolen information and can also simply look over your shoulder to steal your PIN. Keep an eye out for people around you as you use the ATM and cover the keypad as you input your PIN. Stay vigilant and and be sure to report anything suspicious or out of place. Contact Cennox for any advice on what to do if you find a skimming device. Learn more about ATM Security from Cennox. #checkyouratm PREVIOUS Is there an appetite to increase branch numbers? Cennox obtains prestigious VdS Certification. NEXT Latest News & Updates Cennox Acquires Leading Safe Manufacturing and Service Company, FireKing Safety and Security ATLANTA, GA – December 1, 2021 – Cennox (the “Company”), a portfolio company of York Capital Management’s private equity group (“York Private Equity”),... 1st Dec 2021 Should supermarkets be fully automated with self-checkout services? Should supermarkets be fully automated with self-checkout services? That is the debate that has been trending in recent weeks. Technology and human contact can go... 3rd Aug 2021 Cennox launches the ‘next generation’ solution against cash trapping Cennox proudly presents the next evolution Cash Shutter Guard, the new solution designed to prevent the introduction of fraudulent devices in to or on... 9th Jul 2021 To discuss your requirements call 0044 (0)1276 607 200 Cennox Financial Services Retail Solutions Hygiene Products & Services Other Our Solutions Self-Service Terminals ATM Parts Supply Bank Field Services Security Solutions Branch Transformation Signage & Branding Software & Services Our Company Cennox Overview Corporate Values Senior Leadership Join Our Team News Insights Contact © 2015-2021 Cennox Plc | All Rights Reserved. Downloads Page Modern Slavery Policy Privacy & Policy Sitemap Web design Surrey