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Be alert for skimmers and scammers!

By Mike Dockery and Matt Johnson

skimmers-gas-pump
Beware when paying at the pump; criminals often use gas pumps to skim credit and debit cards.

Before you swipe your bank card or credit card to make a payment or complete a bank transaction, be alert for skimmer devices attached inside or over the real card reader. Criminals use skimmers to capture the information from the magnetic strip on credit or debit cards, gaining unauthorized access to consumer accounts.

Skimmers have become increasingly prevalent as they are easy to put in place. The skimmer device fits right over or inside the real card reader. When the card is swiped, it passes through the skimmer before going into the real reader. Skimmers have popped up at bank drive-through ATMs, gas stations and other businesses, especially in remote locations or places that are difficult to monitor.

There are a few things you can do to make sure your account information stays safe.

Look before you swipe

Look for signs of tampering or bulkiness of the card reader you are about to use. If it looks too thick, damaged, loose or just does not look right, report it to the bank or business and use a different machine. Consumers have even reported parts of skimmers coming off the ATM. The FBI offers additional tips and illustrations of what to look for.  If you see someone tampering with or hanging around an ATM machine, report this information as soon as possible to law enforcement or the bank or related business hosting the machine. Sometimes criminals hang around machines to collect information via a Bluetooth connection or wait for an opportunity to add a skimmer or make changes to a machine.

Protect your chipped card

Many newer credit cards have radio frequency identification (RFID) chips. The chips use a wireless, electromagnetic field to transmit information across short distances. Criminals use small remote skimmers that can be concealed in a pocket to collect information from the RFID chip. With these skimmers, the card need not be physically swiped to compromise the information. The electronic pickpocket need only walk a few feet away from you to collect information from the chip.

To prevent information theft, use a card carrier with a lined casing to shield the signal from the card. The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation put out a Consumer Alert describing additional measures you can take, such as stacking several RFID-equipped cards together.

What to do if you’re hacked

If you do fall victim to a skimmer or RFID scam, immediately report it to law enforcement, providing as many details as possible. Contact the security department of your bank or the retailer whose card was compromised. Close the account and put a fraud alert on your credit file. Find additional information to protect your accounts on our identity theft prevention site and from the Federal Trade Commission.

 


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For information, quotes or coverage availability, please contact your local independent agent representing Cincinnati Insurance. For policy service, please contact your local independent agent or send us an email. Property and casualty coverages may be provided by The Cincinnati Insurance Company or one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, The Cincinnati Indemnity Company, The Cincinnati Casualty Company or The Cincinnati Specialty Underwriters Insurance Company. The Cincinnati Life Insurance Company provides life insurance and fixed annuities. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products. Not all subsidiaries operate in all states. Location: 6200 S. Gilmore Road, Fairfield, OH 45014-5141 Mailing address: P.O. Box 145496, Cincinnati, OH 45250-5496. Copyright © 2019 Cincinnati Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

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