--- title: Protect yourself from ATM skimmer fraud description: Here are a few tips to help keep you safe and secure while using an ATM. image: https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Blog%20Photos%20(2).png --- [![MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2](https://go.hfcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2.png?width=464&name=MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2.png "MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2")](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) Filter by Category** - [Show All](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) - [Security](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/security) - [Personal Finance](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/personal-finance) - [Auto](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/auto) - [Business](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/business) - [Credit Score](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-score) - [Home](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/home) - [Credit Cards](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-cards) - [Life Changes](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/life-changes) - [Insurance](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/insurance) - [Investments](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/investments) Filter by Category** - 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[dormant account (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/dormant-account) - [inactive account (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/inactive-account) # Protect yourself from ATM skimmer fraud ** [Hanscom Federal Credit Union](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/author/hanscom-federal-credit-union) ** Nov 29, 2022 ![](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Blog%20Photos%20(2).png) Due to increased security in credit card and Internet transactions, traditional targets of electronic theft, many thieves are turning to other options to steal money, such as hijacking ATMs. This can be done several ways. One popular method involves skimmers. Skimmers are card-reading devices that are attached to the card slots of legitimate ATMs. (Gas station payment terminals are another frequent target of skimmers.) They are not obviously noticeable, and they still allow the ATM to operate normally. When you insert your ATM or debit card, the skimmer reads your card information. When you enter your pin, the thieves capture it with a hidden camera or keyboard overlay device. Then they can put your information onto a blank magnetic card, and use it at ATMs or in stores, or just use your information to shop online until your account runs out of money. Skimmers are one of the most popular methods that thieves use, but they employ others as well. For example, they may tamper with security cameras or simply peer [over your shoulder](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/how-to-protect-your-personal-identifiable-information) as you are using the ATM. Some thieves even set up their own, fake ATMs in out-of-the-way locations. With all of the methods that thieves have at their disposal, what can be done to [keep your checking and savings account safe](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/how-account-alerts-protect-against-fraud)? Just not using your ATM or debit card at all is not a very practical option, but there are other [steps you can take](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/check-your-account-balances-regularly) to keep your accounts safe: - Before inserting your card, see if the card slot wiggles. If it does, there may be a skimmer on it. Use another terminal and let the financial institution know. - Avoid using ATMs in remote or strange locations, like the corner of a parking lot. You are potentially putting yourself at increased risk of being robbed, and the ATM may be fake. - Try to go to the ATM during the day. If you must use it at night, only use an ATM in a well-lit area. - Try using the same ATM for all of your transactions. You are more likely to notice if the machine has been tampered with if you are using a familiar one. - Before typing in your PIN number, look over your shoulder to make sure no one is trying to see what you are doing. If someone is standing uncomfortably close to you, cancel your transaction and go to another ATM. Thieves are trying to be smart in finding different ways to part you from your money. However, by being aware and cautious when using your ATM or debit card you can foil the thieves and keep your money where it belongs – in your account. Log in to [Online Access](https://www.hfcu.org) and update your contact information today. It is important that Hanscom FCU has up-to-date contact information in the event of fraudulent activity on your account. Copyright © BALANCE [![Check out our upcoming financial education events](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/118438/e8e8c1c2-e608-43ec-9a8b-48b038dc7412.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/118438/e8e8c1c2-e608-43ec-9a8b-48b038dc7412)   *Others are reading:* - [3 Ways to Build Wealth With Direct Deposit](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/3-ways-to-build-wealth-with-direct-deposit) - [Use a Mobile Wallet to Check Out Fast](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/use-a-mobile-wallet-to-check-out-fast) - [Why Are Credit Union Rates Better?](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/credit-union-rates) - [Savings: Your Key to Success](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/savings-your-key-to-success) - [Protect Yourself From Identity Theft](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/security) ** [Security](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/security), [Scams](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/scams), [Checking](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/checking) [** How to Use Home Equity: Best Uses For Your HELOC ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/how-to-use-home-equity-best-uses-for-your-heloc) [** The Best Way to Avoid ATM Fees ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/the-best-way-to-avoid-atm-fees) ### About Author ![Hanscom Federal Credit Union](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/HFCU-Profile-1000x1000.jpg) Hanscom Federal Credit Union Hanscom Federal Credit Union, a purpose-driven $1.9 billion organization based in Littleton, MA, empowers its members to achieve financial wellness. Hanscom FCU serves over 95,000 members across the country and overseas through 16 branches, over 100,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 5,000 contact centers, and a web-based branch. Related Posts [![The Benefits of Setting Up Direct Deposits](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/young%20woman%20paying%20bills%20on%20couch-1.png) The Benefits of Setting Up Direct Deposits ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/the-benefits-of-setting-up-direct-deposits) [![Protect Your Accounts from the Rise of Check Fraud](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(16)-2.png) Protect Your Accounts from the Rise of Check Fraud ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/protect-your-accounts-from-the-rise-of-check-fraud) [![How to Avoid ID Theft Over the Holidays](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Blog%20Photos%20800%20x%20800px%20(1)-1.png) How to Avoid ID Theft Over the Holidays ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/bid/155005/don-t-let-identity-theft-ruin-your-holidays) ** - [**](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/fraud-at-atms-keeping-your-checking-and-savings-accounts-safe/) - [**](https://X.com/share?url=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/fraud-at-atms-keeping-your-checking-and-savings-accounts-safe/) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/fraud-at-atms-keeping-your-checking-and-savings-accounts-safe/&summary=&source=CeBIT) ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. 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Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### https://X.com/HanscomFCU The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### https://www.instagram.com/hanscomfcu/ The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanscomfcu/ The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. 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The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ### Popular Posts [What You Need to Know About Putting Your Home in a Trust](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-putting-your-home-in-a-trust) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-02-10T072804.753.jpg) [What You Need to Know About Your Federal Tax Bracket](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-tax-bracket) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-03-22T123305.900.jpg) [6 Boat Types to Get on the Water](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/6-boat-types-to-get-on-the-water) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/images/Jet_Ski.jpg) [23 Organizations Dedicated to the Needs of Seniors](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/23-organizations-dedicated-to-the-needs-of-seniors) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Senior%20citizens.jpg) [9 Smart Moves for Lottery Winners](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/lottery) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/images/lottery_winner.jpg) ### Recent Posts - [![National Credit Union Administration](https://go.hfcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NCUA-logo-small.png?width=95&name=NCUA-logo-small.png) ](https://www.ncua.gov/) [![Equal Housing Lender](https://go.hfcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/EHL-logo-small.png?width=65&name=EHL-logo-small.png)](https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing) - @ 2023 [Hanscom Federal Credit Union](https://www.hfcu.org/) - Federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. - [Privacy Policy](https://www.hfcu.org/content/docs/Privacy_Notice.pdf) **Disclosure:** Hanscom Federal Credit Union does not provide and is not responsible for any products, services, or overall website content available at any third-party sites linked within this blog. 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Please consult the privacy disclosures on those linked sites for further information. ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Hanscom Federal Credit Union" }, "dateModified" : "November 29, 2022, 8:42:29 PM", "datePublished" : "2022-11-29 20:42:29", "description" : "Here are a few tips to help keep you safe and secure while using an ATM.", "headline" : "Protect yourself from ATM skimmer fraud", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://118438.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/118438/Blog%20Photos%20%282%29.png" }, "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://go.hfcu.org/blog/fraud-at-atms-keeping-your-checking-and-savings-accounts-safe", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/118438/Logo%202.jpg" }, "name" : "Hanscom Federal Credit Union" } } ```