Chesa Keane, an Associate member of Global Travelers, is a long-time consultant in many aspects of IT. As members of a virtual Rotary club, we are all, by definition, on-line to various degrees. And, like many things in life, being on-line comes with risk. Chesa has generously agreed to create a web series for our members with tips for helping us avoid becoming the victim of online scams. This is her fourth installment, focused on credit card reader scams.
Of all the scams related to financial loss, credit card scams are the worst. We don’t usually check our credit card account for transactions daily or weekly. You might just get your statement or sign on to your credit card account when you have a payment due. If you haven’t used your card, you probably won’t check it at all that month. This is the credit card user pattern for which most credit card fraudsters are aware.
You might become aware early if you happen to check your card account close to when that fraudulent charge was made. Or you might be made aware when your credit card company alerts you to a suspicious charge. Or you might be standing at a checkout counter attempting to use your card when it gets denied because it’s overlimit or there have been too many charges that don’t match your purchasing pattern.
Regardless of how you find out you’ve been scammed, take a breath. You can handle this.
What are some of the avenues used to get your credit card number?
The most obvious is the card was stolen. This is a relatively easy fix: find your credit card statement and look for the phone number to report a lost/stolen card. Make sure you report it as quickly as possible because the thief will sell your information quicker. Your credit card company is usually very helpful and willing to forgive charges made after the date you reported the card missing. In fact, most credit card companies will refund or forgive the unauthorized charges if you notify them within 60 days. Pay attention to where your cards are at all times.
But one of the most nefarious methods of stealing your credit card information is the Skimmer. I received a new card and first used it at a Shell gas station getting my gas from a pump facing away from the front of the station. I thought the card reader looked strange and it was a bit wobbly, but I was unconcerned because it was Shell station, after all. It didn’t occur to me that someone had installed a scam card reader, known as a Skimmer. Sure enough, when I checked my bill, it was HUGE. Of course, my credit card company helped me reverse the charges, but it was scary and time consuming.
Pay attention to the signs of a Skimmer. You may not be aware of this device. The only way I knew where the fraudulent charge was made was that I had only made that one charge on my new card. Here are some things to look for:
The Skimmer will grab all your card information even while you are able to make the purchase. How often are you thinking, I’m just going to go in and out quickly to make my purchase.” And how much attention are you paying to a card reader anyway? We are so conditioned to accept financial transaction devices now thinking they are safer than the old sliding card capture device we used to use. There are Skimmer detector apps out there as well. But you can probably use the tips above to detect a Skimmer that has overtaken a legitimate card reader.
This is just one credit card scam to watch for and I’ll share more in future Scam articles.
Be aware. Pay attention. Report suspicious activity as soon as you can.
Looking for more? Read Chesa’s other informative articles:
CONTACT US
Keep in touch, or reach out to us on social media!
All materials and photos, unless otherwise specified, copyright of Rotary E-Club Global Travelers.
All Rotary marks, logos, and copyrighted content are owned by Rotary International, used with permission.
Page design and upkeep: ADMarketing
