Appleton Skimmers – Protect Your Finances from ATM Skimming
As you may have heard, we recently had a little visit from the not-so-magical Card Skimming Fairy at a couple of our ATMs. Your financial security is our top priority – that’s why we're here to talk about how to protect yourself from ATM skimmers in Appleton and everywhere else! It's super important to stay informed and know how to keep your hard-earned money safe.
What is ATM Skimming?
What's this whole ATM skimming thing, you ask? Good question. It's when not-so-nice folks use sneaky devices to copy your card info while you're just trying to do your ATM thing. These devices can look just like part of the ATM, making them pretty hard to spot. Skimming tools come in all sorts of forms, like card reader add-ons, keypad covers, and hidden cameras. Once they've got your card info, those troublemakers can make unauthorized withdrawals and purchases with your information.
But don't worry, we've got your back with some tips to help you keep your money safe and sound!
Spotting skimming devices is crucial. Here's how you can do it:
- Give the card reader a gentle wiggle to check for anything unusual.
- Look at the keypad closely to spot any extra layers or weird textures.
- Be aware of your surroundings and use ATMs in well-lit and secure areas.
How you can protect yourself from ATM skimming:
- When you're punching in your PIN, always cover the keypad to keep it safe from any prying eyes or cameras.
- Go for ATMs in busy, safe spots, like those at your bank or credit union.
- If you see something fishy with the card reader, or if your card does not slide smoothly, tell the owner about it.
- Keep an eye on your account statements for any transactions you didn't make.
- Change your PIN regularly and steer clear of easy-to-guess numbers, like birthdays.
- Guard your PIN and don't share personal info with strangers.
- Set up account alerts for transactions or withdrawals.
They Could Be Anywhere 😬
ATMs aren't the only place where those skimmers like to hang out. You can also find them at gas station pumps, outdoor payment kiosks (think parking meters), vending machines, and even those Redbox or DVD rental kiosks. So, stay sharp when using your card in these spots and use the same safety tips as you would at an ATM.
When keeping your money safe, knowing how to spot and prevent ATM skimmers is like having a superpower. Keep your eyes peeled, protect your PIN, and trust your gut when using ATMs and using your card. Stay safe out there!