(HOUSTON) — The Better Business Bureau warns “skimming” has become a serious problem in the Houston area.
Monica Russo with the Houston BBB says thieves can steal your financial information right off the magnetic strip on your credit card.
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“What these criminals do is actually install what they call a skimming device or a card reader, so whenever you go get gas or you go to the ATM machine, this device actually steals the data off the back of your card,” Russo said.
It’s called skimming, and Russo says it’s another example of these types of crimes becoming more sophisticated.
“Technology is great, but criminals can also use it for their own purposes as well,” Russo said. “We just have to be more vigilant as consumers and know what to look for.”
If you’re at the ATM, you can spot a skimmer by looking for the little flashing light near the slot where you put your card. If you don’t see it, a skimmer is likely blocking it.
Many gas stations have caught on and should come with an anti-skimmer device where you pay at the pump.
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Protect Your Credit Cards from ‘Skimming’ Thieves was originally published on news92fm.com
