Skimming Scams on the Rise: Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Identity theft can happen in a matter of seconds, and you might unknowingly be putting your personal information at risk. KMBC 9 is raising awareness about the dangers of card skimming and showing you how to identify and avoid these scams.
“I got robbed, but there was nobody to stop it from robbing me,” said Rush Loftis, a victim of a skimming scam. Loftis shared his experience with KMBC 9 after unknowingly swiping his company credit card at a gas pump equipped with a skimming device. He realized his information had been compromised.
“Before you swipe that card anywhere, check that card reader,” Loftis advised.
This situation is far from unique. Regular card users often overlook the security of card readers. KMBC 9 visited ten gas stations across the Kansas City area, surveying 25 customers. Alarmingly, none of them reported checking the card readers for tampering, and not a single person knew what a card skimmer was.
According to cybersecurity expert Aaron Weissenfluh, a co-owner of Tenfold Security, skimming devices are designed to capture credit card information. These devices can be easily attached to ATMs or gas pumps, and with a single swipe, thieves can steal your name, card number, and expiration date.
“There are several parts to a credit card, and one is that magnetic strip on the back,” Weissenfluh explained to KMBC 9. “The reason skimmers work is the magnetic strip is in clear text. It’s unencrypted. Anybody with a reader can pull that information.”
So, how can you detect a skimming device? Weissenfluh recommends a simple check: gently pull on the card reader. If it moves, wiggles, or seems out of place, avoid using it.
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of skimming, take immediate action. First, contact your bank or credit card company to lock your card. Second, report the device to the police. Third, if possible, opt for tap-to-pay options to enhance security.
“This story is a wonderful help to inform us all,” remarked a Kansas City father, emphasizing the importance of this information.
