WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) -Credit Card Skimmers on the Rise: How to Protect Yourself.
The next time you take out a debit card to swipe to pay at a store or gas station, be aware: credit card skimmers are surging.
Police across the country report a growing number of credit card skimming devices have been found in popular stores and gas stations.
What’s a skimmer? These devices are placed over legitimate card readers to steal your credit card information and PIN. You might not even notice they’re there until it’s too late.
Here’s the scary part: installing a skimmer can take less than four seconds. Thieves often work in pairs—one distracts the cashier while the other quickly attaches the skimmer. Once it’s installed, the thieves can capture your card data every time you swipe.
How to Spot a Skimmer
The best way to protect yourself is to be vigilant and know what to look for. Here are some tips: