Card Skimming Is on the Rise. Here’s How to Protect Yourself.
Fraudsters Use Skimming to Target Your Debit and Credit Cards.
Don’t Let Them.
Imagine this: you stop at the gas station pump, insert your debit card to pay, and fill up your tank like you always do. A few hours later, you get a notification. Someone just made a $500 purchase with that same card, but it wasn’t you.
Your heart jumps. How did this happen?
It’s called card skimming, and it’s more common than you think.
At Achieve Credit Union, we’ve recently seen an increase in fraudulent charges from skimmers installed at non-Achieve ATMs, gas pumps, and retail stores. The criminals behind these scams are evolving fast—but so can you. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead and keep your money safe.
What Is Card Skimming?
Card skimming happens when thieves install hidden devices on card readers to steal your debit or credit card information.
These devices capture your card details and, in some cases, even your PIN.
Scammers then use this stolen data to make unauthorized purchases or create fake cards in your name.
“We’ve recently seen an increase in fraudulent charges from skimmers.”
Where Are Skimmers Found?
Thieves install skimmers in places where people frequently use their cards, such as:
✅ Gas station pumps (especially pay-at-the-pump stations)
✅ ATMs (both standalone and bank-operated)
✅ Retail stores (especially self-checkouts)
✅ Restaurants (if you hand your card to a server)
Skimmers are designed to blend in, making them difficult to detect—but not impossible.
How to Spot a Skimmer Before It Steals Your Info
Before inserting your card, do a quick check:
🔍 Wiggle the card reader – If it feels loose, bulky, or moves unnaturally, it could be a skimmer.
🔍 Check for unusual overlays – Some skimmers fit over the original reader. Look for anything that seems misaligned or out of place.
🔍 Cover your PIN – Some criminals use hidden cameras to capture your PIN while you enter it. Always shield the keypad.
🔍 Use highly visible ATMs – Criminals are less likely to target ATMs in well-lit and highly visible areas.
When in doubt, don’t use it. Report anything suspicious to the business or the police.
Why Modern Chip Cards Aren’t a Perfect Solution
You might be thinking, “But I have a chip card—aren’t those safe?”
Chip cards are much harder to clone than magnetic stripe cards, but criminals have adapted. They now use shimmers, ultra-thin devices placed inside card readers that intercept chip data.
While shimmers can’t create full duplicates like traditional skimmers, they can still allow criminals to make fraudulent online purchases.
The best way to avoid skimmers and shimmers altogether? Opt for contactless payment whenever possible.
5 Simple Ways to Protect Yourself
You don’t have to be a fraud expert to outsmart scammers. Here’s what you can do right now:
✅ Set up account alerts – Get notified the moment a suspicious transaction happens. If you’re using an Achieve Visa, log into online banking and enable fraud alerts.
✅ Monitor your transactions – Check your account weekly (or even daily) for unexpected charges. The faster you catch fraud, the better.
✅ Use contactless payment – Tap-to-pay and digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are safer than swiping or inserting your card.
✅ Avoid using a debit card at high-risk locations – Credit cards can offer better fraud protection than debit cards. Use credit whenever possible.
✅ Report fraud ASAP – If you suspect your card has been skimmed, call Achieve Credit Union immediately. We’ll help secure your account and issue a new card.
What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted
If you notice unauthorized charges on your Achieve Visa, don’t panic—but act fast.
📌 Call Achieve Credit Union – We’ll freeze your card and issue a replacement.
📌 Report the fraud – If you used the card at a gas station, ATM, or store, report it to the business and local law enforcement.
📌 Monitor your credit report – If your personal data was compromised, consider freezing your credit to prevent identity theft.
Your money matters to you—and it matters to us, too. By staying alert and proactive, you can outsmart scammers and protect your financial future.
Stay Informed. Stay Protected. Stay Achieving.
At Achieve Credit Union, we’re more than just a place to bank—we’re your partner in financial security.
Take action today:
✔ Log into your Achieve Credit Union account and set up account alerts.
✔ Monitor your transactions regularly to catch fraud early.
✔ Always inspect card readers before using them.
Follow us for updates and fraud prevention strategies. We’re here to help you learn, dream, and achieve financial success—safely.
About the Author
Scott Nelson
Scott Nelson has served as Achieve Credit Union’s Marketing Director since 2022. Scott’s a big fan of credit unions and the positive impact they have on the local communities they serve.
Fun fact: You may see Scott at your local high school baseball games - as an umpire.