ATM skimming is the theft of card data and sometimes a PIN using equipment attached to or hidden inside a payment terminal. You can reduce the risk by checking the reader and keypad, shielding your PIN, choosing a well-lit indoor ATM when practical, and using chip technology when available. None of these checks guarantees a machine is safe. If you suspect your card or PIN was captured, contact your bank or credit union promptly and follow its instructions.
How ATM card skimming works
Skimming equipment captures payment-card information at an ATM, point-of-sale terminal, or fuel pump. At an ATM, a device may be fitted over the card reader, concealed inside it, or placed near exposed cables. A separate hidden camera can record a PIN, or a keypad overlay can capture keystrokes. Criminals may use the data to make counterfeit cards or conduct unauthorized withdrawals and purchases. The FBI explains common skimming methods.
A machine can look normal even if it has been altered. A visual check may reveal an attachment, but it cannot rule out equipment hidden inside the terminal.
How to check an ATM before using it
- Look at the card reader and keypad. Avoid the machine if a part is loose, crooked, scratched, damaged, or visibly inconsistent with the surrounding terminal.
- If it is safe to do so, gently check the edges of the keypad for an attachment. Do not use a reader or keypad that seems unusual.
- Choose a well-lit, indoor ATM when practical. These locations may be less vulnerable targets, but they are not risk-free.
- Use a chip-enabled card when possible. The FBI says fewer devices in the United States steal chip data than magnetic-stripe data; the magnetic stripe on the back of a chip card can still be vulnerable.
These are risk-reduction steps, not a guarantee. Do not try to dismantle or handle suspicious equipment.
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How to protect your PIN
Cover the keypad as fully as possible while entering your PIN, even if no one is standing nearby. This can block a camera’s view, but it will not stop a keypad overlay from recording the keys you press. A suspicious keypad is a reason to stop and use another machine.
What to do if you think your card was skimmed
- Stop using the machine. If safe and practical, note its location and notify the ATM operator or financial institution. Do not touch or remove suspected equipment.
- Contact your card issuer promptly. Call the number on your card or use the issuer’s official app or website. Explain whether the card is still with you, whether you entered your PIN, and what activity looks suspicious. Follow the issuer’s directions for securing the card and account.
- Secure the PIN and account. If you believe the PIN was exposed, tell the issuer and follow its instructions for changing it and protecting the account. Review recent transactions and keep monitoring for new activity.
- Report the suspected skimming. The FBI directs consumers to report suspected skimming to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
- Keep a record. Note when you noticed the issue and when you contacted the issuer; save copies of correspondence and any report confirmations.
If an ATM retains your card after a transaction or cancellation, contact the issuer immediately.
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Why reporting quickly matters
For unauthorized debit or ATM transactions, federal liability rules can depend on when a lost or stolen card is reported. The FTC’s examples distinguish reports made before unauthorized charges, within two business days after learning of a loss or theft, within 60 calendar days after a statement is sent, and later. In its lost-or-stolen-card scenarios, the FTC lists a possible maximum loss of $50 when reported within two business days of learning of the loss, and up to $500 when reported later than two business days but within 60 calendar days after the statement is sent. These examples do not automatically settle a skimming case: copied card data may be used while the physical card remains with you. Contact the issuer immediately and consult the FTC’s current card guidance for your circumstances.
The FTC also advises consumers to check account statements and activity, report unauthorized transactions to the issuer as soon as possible, and follow up in writing. If you suspect identity theft beyond the compromised card, USA.gov’s identity-theft guidance points to IdentityTheft.gov and checking your credit reports.
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Build account checks into your routine
Review bank, credit-card, and benefits-account activity regularly. Turn on transaction alerts or other account-security controls offered by your financial institution so suspicious activity is easier to notice. Alerts and monitoring help you spot problems; they do not prevent skimming by themselves.
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