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Beware of Card Skimmers While Traveling This Summer!

As we head into peak travel season, it’s the perfect time to brush up on how to protect your card information from skimmers—fraudulent devices that criminals attach to legitimate payment terminals to steal your credit or debit card data.


What Are Card Skimmers?

Card skimmers capture data from your card’s magnetic stripe when you swipe or insert it. Thieves use this data to make unauthorized purchases or even create counterfeit cards.


Where Skimmers Are Commonly Found

These sneaky devices show up in a variety of high-traffic and high-risk locations:

  • Gas station pumps
  • ATMs (especially standalone ones)
  • Hotel key card stations
  • Tourist area kiosks and payment terminals
  • Busy retail checkout lanes
  • Restaurant card readers

 

How to Spot a Skimmer

Before using a card reader, take a quick look:


Visual Clues:

  • Loose or wobbly card slots
  • Mismatched colors or odd-looking materials
  • Bulky overlays or unusual attachments
  • Raised or spongy keypads
  • Tiny cameras positioned to capture your PIN
  • Branding that seems off

 

Trust your instincts: If something looks off, walk away.


How to Protect Yourself When Traveling


Before You Swipe:

  • Choose well-lit, high-traffic areas
  • Use indoor ATMs when possible
  • Pay inside at gas stations
  • Cover your PIN with your hand
  • Use tap-to-pay or mobile wallets when available

 

Smart Payment Practices:

  • Monitor your accounts daily during trips
  • Set up transaction alerts through your mobile banking app
  • Use credit cards instead of debit (they offer stronger fraud protection)
  • Carry a backup payment method
  • Snap photos of suspicious devices and report them


If You Suspect You’ve Been Skimmed

Act fast:

  • Contact your bank immediately
  • Monitor for unauthorized charges
  • File a police report if needed
  • Report the location to local law enforcement and the business
  • Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports

 

Tech Tips for Safer Payments

  • Chip cards (EMV) are more secure than magstripe cards
  • Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) are harder to skim
  • Use RFID-blocking wallets
  • Enable real-time alerts through your bank app

 

Stay Safe, Travel Smart 

Skimming scams spike during summer travel. A little caution at the pump or ATM could save you from major headaches later. When in doubt, use a different machine or payment method.