Carding skimming can occur not only in places considered safe, such as restaurants, gas stations, or retail outlets. Although ATM skimming incidents may be decreasing, fraudsters have found that they do not necessarily need to use an ATM to obtain funds.
People often associate carding with suspicious ATMs, but this can also happen in ordinary places when the client's card is briefly out of sight.
According to FNB, skimming happens when a bank card is passed through a reader device that downloads its data. This stolen information can then be used to create a counterfeit 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 always monitor their card during transactions. The association notes that most shops and restaurants use portable terminals, so there is usually no reason for the client's card to leave their sight.
If another device needs to be used, the association advises clients to accompany the person using that device. The reason for this advice is that the client may not know whether their card is being processed only through a legitimate payment terminal or if it has been passed to another 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 operation; if possible, using a portable payment device instead of handing the card to someone for further processing; if another device is used, 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 is indeed yours, and monitor the bank account for unfamiliar transactions. The Banking Association advises clients to ensure that their card has not been replaced with another after payment, and to carefully monitor statements for unusual transactions.
What to do if you suspect card compromise? If you notice an unknown transaction or believe that your card details may have been compromised, you must contact your bank as soon as possible 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 regular purchases when criminals get the opportunity to access the card out of the client's sight.