The risk of card skimming can occur not only in places considered safe, such as restaurants, gas stations, or retail outlets. Although instances of skimming at ATMs may be decreasing, fraudsters have found ways to obtain card data without using an ATM.
People often associate skimming with suspicious ATMs, but it can also happen in ordinary locations if the customer's card is briefly out of their sight.
According to FNB, skimming occurs when a bank card is passed through a reading device that downloads its data. This stolen information is then used to create a duplicate card, which can lead to the loss of thousands of Rand.
Why You Should Keep Your Card in Sight
The South African Banking Association recommends that consumers ensure their cards never leave their sight while making transactions. The association notes that most shops and restaurants use portable terminals, so there is usually no reason for the customer's card to be out of their line of sight.
If another device needs to be used, the association advises customers to accompany the person using it. The reason for this advice is that the customer may not know whether their card is being processed only through a legitimate payment terminal or if it has been passed to an additional device.
What to Do When Paying
Consumers can take several simple precautions when using their cards. These include: keeping the bank card in sight throughout the entire operation; if possible, using a portable payment device instead of handing the card to anyone for further use; if another terminal is required, accompanying the person making the payment, according to the recommendations of the Banking Association.
It is also recommended to cover the keyboard when entering a PIN, check that the returned card truly belongs to the owner, and regularly monitor the bank account for unfamiliar transactions.
The Banking Association also insists that customers check if their card has been replaced after payment and carefully monitor statements for unusual transactions.
What to do if you suspect card compromise? If you notice an unknown transaction or believe your card data may have been compromised, you should immediately contact your bank and follow its instructions to ensure the security of the account and card.
Although ATMs remain a major source of concern regarding card fraud, it is important to remember that skimming can also happen during everyday purchases when criminals get the opportunity to access the card out of the customer's sight.