AURORA, Colo. — Aurora Police are warning about new undetectable card skimmers that criminals are installing inside gas pump payment machines and ATMs.
Skimmers are small devices hidden at fuel pumps to steal information and money by capturing a swiped payment card's protected data. They're usually placed on top of a card reader or keypad and detectible by bulging or scratching, or if any parts appear to be loose.
Aurora Police said on Friday that "criminals have now figured out ways to install credit card skimmers inside gas station pumps and ATMs, making them nearly undetectable to the public."
Police also warned that in some cases, the skimmers are accompanied by pinhole cameras to record users entering their PIN numbers.
How to protect yourself from card skimmers
Aurora Police offered the following tips to protect yourself from this new type of skimmer:
- Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN.
- Use a credit card. It's easier to contest fraudulent charges and you might get your money back.
- Transfer money from your checking account into a savings account and carry a low balance on your debit card so a skimmer can't wipe you out completely.
- Carry a low-balance credit card for all purchases and pay it off monthly.
- Link your cards to a payment app like Apple or Google. This is the most secure way to pay.
- Use cash.
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