Credit and Debit Card Skimming

Monday, May 18, 2009

Credit and debit card skimming is a common crime everywhere from Thailand to Mexico, and it's becoming increasingly common in the U.S. as well. Skimmers may be installed on ATM machines, and sometimes you can’t even notice them. A small device goes over the normal card reading slot and reads your card’s magnetic stripe.

Skimmers can also be handheld devices that a dishonest merchant or employee can keep in his pocket. For example, when the time comes to pay for your meal with a credit or debit card, a scammer can run your card through a skimmer as well.

Although card skimming at ATMs does happen, the highest rate of skimming occurs at pay-at-the-pump gas stations, where devices are added to the pumps. There is more skimming of credit cards at gas stations, restaurants and retail outlets than at ATMs. CU Anytime, the ATM provider for most credit unions in New Mexico, has never suspected or found a skimming device at any of their ATMs.

If you suspect that your credit or debit card from New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union may have been skimmed, contact us immediately at 889-7755 (800-347-2838 from outside the Albuquerque area).