• Fraud & Scams

How to Spot an ATM Skimmer

Posted by WESTconsin Credit Union
April 2026

Skimmer fraud is a common type of theft with the goal of stealing card data. Skimmer devices installed on ATMs, gas pumps, or point-of-sale terminals have been around for a long time, but technology is ever evolving and consumers must stay on their toes to protect their card information.

Picture a skimmer in your head. Is it big, bulky? Does it overlay the existing terminal or keypad? There are certainly skimmers like this still out there, but the technology has advanced significantly. Newer ATM skimmers, often called deep insert “shimmers”, are thin and difficult to detect with the naked eye. The perpetrator puts the device directly inside the card slot.

These shimmers capture card data, and the information can be transmitted via Bluetooth to the perpetrator, meaning they often don’t even need to recover the actual device.

With skimmers being this small and discreet, it may seem like there’s little the average consumer can do to detect them, but there are still steps you can take to be cautious and aware.

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Below are 10 tips to help you stay safe when using your cards, especially at ATMs and gas pumps, where skimmers are most often present.

  1. Inspect the terminal before entering the card. Is the seal or tape still intact? Does anything appear to be loose or unstable? Look for signs of tampering before inserting your card.
  2. Feel the card as you slide it in and out. Any unusual friction or resistance could indicate that a skimmer or shimmer has been inserted into the card reader. Also, pay attention to how the buttons feel on the keypad. If they’re hard to press or feel thick, it could be a sign of a skimmer.
  3. Cover your hand when entering your PIN, even if alone. The perpetrators of skimming schemes often install cameras that record the cardholder entering their PIN. Covering your hand prevents the perpetrators from seeing your PIN and potentially using the stolen card data.
  4. When pumping gas, try to use a well-lit pump in view of the cashier’s window. These pumps are less likely to be skimmed compared to poorly lit pumps that are out of view.
  5. If you notice an unfamiliar Bluetooth device available, do not connect. It may be a sign there’s a skimmer present.
  6. If you do suspect a skimmer may be present on an ATM, alert an employee. If you do insert your card into a terminal that may have had a skimmer, the best practice would be to have a new card issued.
  7. Monitor your transaction history on a regular basis. This is good advice in general to catch and prevent fraud on your account, but it’s especially important if you suspect being skimmed. Perpetrators of these schemes often use the stolen data to make counterfeit cards and run them at gas pumps, ATMs, and other unmanned terminals. Keep a look out for this type of activity on your account.
  8. Be especially cautious when traveling, as skimmers are more prevalent in tourist areas or some foreign countries.
  9. Use digital wallet or tap-to-pay. Skimmers are ineffective against tap-to-pay, so this can be a safer option when available.
  10. Avoid outdoor terminals when possible. Paying for fuel inside or using an indoor ATM means you’re less likely to be skimmed.