What is skimming :
Skimming
is a technique wherein the data on credit/ ATM-cum-debit card’s magnetic stripe
is electronically copied onto another card by electronic device called skimmer
without customer’s knowledge. The fake card made based on the copied data is as
good as the original card.
Skimming can occur at retail outlets, restaurants, petrol stations etc.
where an extra swipe of customer’s credit / debit / ATM card is made by a
corrupt employee in a small, hand-held skimmer before handing back the card. The information is then sold to an
organized group for making counterfeit
cards which are later used for defrauding the customers.
How
to Prevent Skimming Attacks :
Please take the following steps for preventing skimming frauds:
1.
Protect
your ATM PIN by not writing it down, not revealing it to any known / unknown
persons or in response to requests through e-mail etc.
2.
Do not
take the help of strangers in carrying out an ATM transaction.
3.
Be
cautious of anything strange or suspicious about an ATM machine or in its
vicinity including signs of tampering or attachment of additional fixtures like
transparent overlays on ATM keyboards, tiny cameras overlooking the keyboard
etc. and suspicious looking people or somebody trying to look over the shoulder
to see the PIN number etc. Bring immediately to the notice of the bank presence
of suspicious additional fixtures on ATM machine or receipt of an unsolicited
call or e-mail asking for personal information.
4.
Verify the transaction history to ensure its
correctness. Report immediately any unauthorised card transaction in the
account, if any, to the bank.
5.
Keep
cards secure –treat them in the same way as cash. Shred old credit card
bills.
6.
Ensure
that the Credit Card / ATM-cum-Debit Card is swiped in your presence.
7.
Immediately
inform the bank if your Credit Card / ATM-cum-Debit Card is lost or stolen.
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