SKIMMING in credit cards

ALL plastic cards viz. ATM, debit and credit cards have on their reverse a prominent black stripe, about one cm. wide, running across the length of the card. This is the magnetic stripe, which stores the essential information of the card holder. Skimming is unauthorised copying of information from the magnetic stripe of a credit/debit/ATM card. A device called skimmer is employed to copy the information contained in the magnetic stripe. The copied information is then used by the fraudsters to clone the card(s) or is traded for similar cloning. The fraudsters can then create a card(s) with the same characteristics and freely use it / them for all purposes that you can do – till identified or caught.

Where can it happen?

Generally at petrol stations, restaurants, hotels and such outlets where the swipe terminal is not in your sight.

Warning signs:


• A shop assistant takes your card out of your sight in order to process your transaction.

• You are asked to swipe your card through more than one machine.

• You notice something suspicious about the card slot on an ATM (e.g. an attached device)

• You notice any unusual or unauthorized transaction in your account.

How to protect yourself from Skimming:


• If you are using an ATM, take the time to check that there is no gadget attached to the machine.

• If the shop assistant appears to be taking your card out of the sight, and if you suspect something, offer to go with that person or change your mode of payment to cash, if possible.

• If the shop assistant wants to swipe your card on the second machine, you should ask for your card back immediately.

• If you notice such incidents, immediately contact your card-issuing authority.

• Many card issuers provide the transaction alert service via SMS on your mobile phone. Do register for it. You will be alerted just in case your card is misused after skimming despite all precautions.