In addition to cybercrime and parking lot thieves, shoppers this holiday season may have other IT and shopping-related risks to worry about. Credit card theft isn’t just a result of buying things online. Sophisticated thieves are ready to take the information from your card without taking the card itself.
Card skimmers are built into point-of-sale (POS) devices, ATMs, and pay-at-the-pump gas pumps. They typically work as a false panel that is placed on top of the machine, where the customer swipes his or her credit card. The card’s information, including PIN, is stored in the thieve’s flash drive that is attached to the underside of the panel. These false panels can be installed and removed in seconds and they look identical to many fit seamlessly with the existing technology, making it attractive to deviant employees or teams of two in which one person distracts the cash register clerk and the other installs the panel.
Stores are trying to bolster security by checking their POS machines frequently and monitoring them with security cameras. Shoppers can be vigilant by checking over the POS before swiping a credit card. Pay special attention to the part where you slide you card. It should look solid and should not move when touched.
Deviant employees can also use handheld skimmers, in which they are able to double-swipe a customer’s card so quickly that even cameras may not notice. There’s no much customers can do to defend against that kind of attack, except to keep an eye out on bank records and ensure there are no extra charges on your account. Banks are also becoming more adept at recognizing when purchases are made that are atypical to a customer.
Be a savvy shopper this holiday season, be sure to keep an eye on your bank records and don’t take risks by leaving shopping parcels in the car or unattended shopping cart. If you notice any suspicious activity, be sure to notify the store’s safety and security guard immediately.
