Card Skimmers In Connecticut: Here's How To Spot Them

(Editor's Note: We first ran this story previously but skimming devices continue to pop up and we hope this helps to ensure you won't be victimized).

CONNECTICUT — Skimming devices to capture data on ATM and credit cards are a frequent problem throughout Connecticut, leaving residents wondering what they should be looking for to protect themselves when paying electronically or withdrawing cash. New reports have surfaced of skimmers at outdoor ATMs and gas stations, so Patch has tips to help you keep your money safe.

In Connecticut, there have been reports of skimmers on ATM machines or skimmed cards being used in Naugatuck, Wilton, Essex and beyond.

But first, let's go over the basics: What exactly is a card skimmer? It's a small device that affixes to a card reader allowing a thief to illegally collect the credit and debit card information of unsuspecting customers. Most commonly, card skimmers are put on ATMs, gas station pumps or self-checkout machines.

Trooper Kelly Grant of the Connecticut State Police told Patch that residents should monitor their credit card activity very closely and be aware of your surroundings. She also urged residents to monitor their credit scores.

"Take a look at the device, if it looks suspicious report it and don’t use it. If it says its out of order and urges you to use another machine, be leery of that as well," Grant said."If you see suspicious activity on your account, notify your credit card company or bank immediately."

The typical ATM skimmer is smaller than a deck of cards and fits over an existing card reader, says PC Mag. Not sure what a card-skimming device looks like? This website shows various skimmers on ATMs, so you know what to look for in the future.

But what should you look out for so that you can avoid having your financial information stolen from a skimmer? If you see obvious signs of tampering, or the machine looks suspicious or different than normal, don't use it, experts say.

"One giveaway that you might be at risk is if a terminal looks especially wide — since any overlay skimmer piece will inevitably take up extra space," says Mic.com.

And as a Patch reader shared, be wary of ATMs at stores, because they might not be checked regularly for skimmers. Also, it’s not a bad idea to use cash at gas stations and other spots where thieves might have an opportunity to attach skimming devices.

Banking websites and police have tips to help foil skimmers. Last week, the Federal Trade Commission issued a warning to consumers, saying that while skimmers aren't new, emerging technology is making them smaller and harder to spot.

How to Protect Your ATM Card

• Use secure ATM machines under video surveillance or inside a bank lobby. They’re less likely to be tampered with.
• Pay careful attention to what the card reader and keypad normally look like on the ATMs you use most frequently.
• Don’t use an ATM if the card reader appears to be added on, fits poorly or is loose. Some thieves place a fake box over the card slot that reads and records account and PIN numbers.
• Inspect the machine for items that were installed over or around the PIN pad of the ATM. Look for an attachment on the ATM that contains a small hole that is pointed in the direction of the PIN pad.
• Lightly tug the area of the card slot. Most skimming devices are attached with double-sided tape for quick removal by the crooks.
• Cover the keypad with your other hand while typing your PIN. This is the best way to ensure that your PIN number is not recorded.

If the keypad backlight is off, that's another warning sign that a skimming device could be installed, the Mic.com article says.

Also, if the chip reader is deeper than normal, beware.

A rule of thumb (no pun intended): If your card goes so deep into a chip reader that you can't keep a thumb on it, that's a sign there could be a skimmer installed, Mic.com reports.

Patch Editors Deb Belt and Kara Seymour contributed to this story.

»Patch file photo