How to Prevent Credit Card Skimming
Credit card fraud is a reality of our plastic-dependent culture. Every day, thousands of people are scammed out of their personal information through a process called skimming. Skimming involves a small electronic device that copies information stored on the magnetic strip of a credit or debit card. The information is then sold to a third party. Skimming occurs in restaurants, bars, and retail counters where the physical card is handled.
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Instructions
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Use cash. If the thief does not have access to your card, he cannot skim it.
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Keep your card in sight. It is a lot easier for the thief to steal credit card information if she knows you are not watching. Try not to allow yourself to be distracted while handling a purchase at the counter. Follow the clerk if she says she has to use another register to run your card.
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Keep all of your receipts. This includes the ones you receive from the gas station where you pay at the pump.
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Budget time to check your statement against your gathered receipts and question anything, no matter how small, that does not match up. Married couples should do this together, especially if they share a credit account.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep an eye on your credit report. If someone tries to take out a loan to purchase a car, for example, using your information, the credit report request will show up on your credit report, not on your credit card.
Explore your credit card options. A number of credit card companies now offer features such as email or mobile phone notification for any charges made.
Do not hesitate to contact your credit card company's customer service department. They are there to assist you. If you need more information than what is available on your statement, call the credit card company and ask. Not checking could potentially cost you a lot more than the phone call.
If you feel you have been scammed, contact your credit card company and the authorities as soon as possible.
