In the past two years, card skimmers have been found on payment devices virtually everywhere in the Evergreen State. From grocery stores in Tri-Cities to ATMs in Lynnwood , the illegal skimmers can pop up anywhere.
The small devices are installed over card readers to record unsuspecting customers’ credit card numbers and other personal information. This can then be used to steal money from your account or even commit identity theft.
Skimmers are designed to look like legitimate card readers, according to law enforcement. But there are small signs you can spot if you pay close attention. It can be easy to miss these signs while running a routine errand, as your purchase isn’t affected by the device.
Here’s what law enforcement recommends.
How to spot and avoid card skimmers
The FBI warns that card skimmers can appear on fuel pumps, ATMs and other point-of-sale terminals like parking pay stations.
The best way to avoid falling victim to a skimming operation is to check any point-of-sale terminal before inserting your credit or debit card. While external card skimmers are designed to blend into the machines they target, they often have a raised appearance and are made from plastic which is shaped to fit over the genuine metal card reader.