Some good tips in this article on ATM card theft.
“According to a recent FICO report, in the first five months of 2015, thieves have been installing skimming devices in ATM machines at breakneck speed and stealing significant numbers of payment card and PIN numbers. These skim artists use the purloined data to create counterfeit cards in order to facilitate both online and in-store purchases as well as drain cash from victims’ bank accounts….ATMs are the target of choice because they offer low-risk access to data with the promise of a big pay day,” said Adam Levin, chairman and co-founder of Credit.com and Identity Theft 911.
Here are the 6 tips:
1) Use an ATM located inside the bank
If you think sticking with your bank’s ATM network will solve the problem, that’s not necessarily going to help. Both bank and non-bank-owned ATMs are being targeted by crooks. However, you can reduce your chances of being hacked by using an ATM within a bank branch instead of one located inside a convenience store or outside of the bank.
2) Cover the keypad
It can be hard to tell if there are unauthorized cameras recording your PIN. It’s better to be safe than sorry and conceal your entry. Cover the keypad with one of your hands when entering your number so you can thwart scammers trying to capture your information with a camera hidden in the machine.
3) Limit withdrawals
It’s easy to fall into a pattern of constantly withdrawing cash whenever you need to make a purchase. However, this is not such a great habit. Make an effort to keep withdrawals at a minimum so you can decrease your chances of encountering an ATM skimmer. “Take out less frequent larger cash withdrawals either at the bank ATM or the teller window to reduce ATM visits and try to use official mobile banking apps,” suggested Levin.
4) Strengthen usernames and passwords
Take the time to think of creative usernames and passwords that are hard to guess. Also refrain from the urge to reuse login information once you do come up with something. Reusing this information will put you at risk for compromising all of your accounts if a hacker gets just one username and password combination.
5) Keep tabs on your accounts
Check your financial accounts regularly (ideally every day, but at least once a week) so that you can keep an eye on any suspicious activity. The sooner you flag a problem, the sooner it can be resolved.
