Uptick In Illegal Bank, Credit Card Skimming: Warning Issued In RivCo

MURRIETA, CA — Police have warned the public about illegal credit and bank card skimmers, and at least one local Riverside County law enforcement agency is advising about an uptick in the devices.

"Over the past few months, the Murrieta Police Department has seen an increase in illegal card skimmers across the city. From counter payment terminals, to ATMS, to fuel pumps, illegal card skimmers are everywhere!" the agency warned Wednesday.

"Skimming" occurs when devices are illegally installed on ATMs, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, or fuel pumps. The gadgets capture data and/or record cardholders’ PINs. Criminals use the info to create fake debit or credit cards and then steal from victims’ accounts. It is estimated that skimming costs financial institutions and consumers more than $1 billion each year, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The FBI, Murrieta PD and the Riverside County Sheriff's Department offer helpful information to thwart the nefarious activity. Murrieta police even shared photos (see above) of illegal devices they've recovered, as well as a video (see below) of one of the gadgets capturing a user's PIN.

Fuel Pump Skimming

According to the FBI, fuel pump skimmers are usually attached in the internal wiring of the machine and aren’t visible to the customer. The devices store data to be downloaded or wirelessly transferred later.

Safety Tips

Choose a fuel pump that is closer to the store and in direct view of a clerk or attendant as these pumps are less likely to be targets for skimmers, according to the FBI. If possible, use your debit card like a credit card. If that’s not an option, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN. Another option: Consider paying inside with the attendant.

ATM and POS Terminal Skimming

ATM skimmer devices usually fit over the original card reader, although some are inserted in the card reader, placed in the terminal, or situated along exposed cables, according to the FBI.

Pinhole cameras installed on ATMs record customers entering their PINs. Pinhole camera placement varies widely, the federal agency warned.

In some cases, criminals install keypad overlays — which record customers' keystrokes — instead of pinhole cameras.

Like fuel pump skimmers, these devices store data to be downloaded or wirelessly transferred later, the federal agency reported.

Safety Tips

The FBI, Murrieta police and the sheriff's department advise customers to inspect any card reader before using it. Look for anything loose, crooked, damaged or scratched. Don't use any card reader if you notice anything unusual.

"Pull at the edges of the keypad before entering your PIN. Then, cover the keypad when you [type] to prevent cameras from recording your entry," the FBI advises.

Use ATMs in a well-lit, indoor location, which are less vulnerable targets. Be alert for skimming devices in tourist areas, which are popular targets. Use debit and credit cards with chip technology. In the U.S., there are fewer devices that steal chip data versus magnetic strip data, according to the FBI.

Avoid using your debit card when you have linked accounts. Use a credit card instead.

Contact your financial institution if the ATM doesn't return your card after you end or cancel a transaction.

Murrieta police also advise about non-bank ATMs. The agency said FICO reports 60% of skimming occurs at privately owned ATMs.

Additional Safety Tips

Whether it's your bank card or a credit card, check your accounts regularly and look for irregularities, Murrieta police advised.

"Technology is advancing and so are illegal skimming devices," the local law enforcement agency reports. "The best thing you can do is monitor your accounts."

The sheriff's department suggests using contactless payments where possible.

"Consider using contactless payment methods, such as mobile payments or contactless cards, which do not require inserting a card into a reader," Sgt. Wenndy Brito-Gonzalez said.

If you suspect foul play, or if you’re in doubt about the authenticity of a machine, use a different one or alter your payment method. Alert bank or store staff, and contact local law enforcement.