Most cases of counterfeit fraud involve skimming, a process where the genuine data on a Card's magnetic stripe is electronically copied onto another Card, without the Cardmember's knowledge. Skimming can occur at retail outlets (where a corrupt employee puts a Card through a device that electronically copies the data from the magnetic stripe) or at ATMs (where tampering has occurred and a skimming device has been fitted to the ATM).

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 see a shop assistant swipe the Card through a different machine to the one you used.
• You notice something suspicious about the Card slot on an ATM (e.g. an attached device).
• You notice unusual or unauthorised transactions on Card Account Statements.

Safety Tips In a Store

• Keep an eye on your Card while it is being processed – look out for cashiers who swipe your Card through more than one Card reader. This could be a sign that they are capturing the information on the magnetic stripe of your Card for the purpose of making a counterfeit copy, a practice known as ‘skimming’.
• Ask questions – If you notice that a cashier swiped your Card through more than one Card reader, ask why. There are some legitimate reasons for swiping Cards through more than one Card reader, such as the fact that a merchant’s cash register is not connected to its point-of-sale authorisation terminal. However, it is better to ask questions if you are concerned about a merchant’s practices.
• Ensure that you get your Card back immediately after every purchase – one of the easiest ways for thieves to obtain your Card information is for them to steal your Card.
• Check your Card when it is returned to you – ensure the Card you gave to the cashier is the same one you get back and that the Card has not been altered in any way.

Safety Tips in an ATM

• Be wary of suspicious machines. While most skimming devices are nearly undetectable, some of the poorer skimmers will look conspicuous when installed improperly. If there are multiple ATMs in the area, ensure that the slots all look identical. Look for protrusions from the slots, variations in the coloring on the machine and deviations in style in signage. Beware of makeshift signs that instruct you to “swipe here first” or “use only this machine,” especially when the other ATMs appear functional.
• Use only secure ATMs. Use ATMs that are located indoors, ideally inside your bank. ATMs that are located on the street in sparsely trafficked areas and ATMs that are not monitored by cameras are more prone to compromise.
• Check the area for unauthorised cameras. Some cameras can be as small as a pinhole and can be affixed to brochure holders or right along the Card slot. Most banks will monitor their machines with cameras, but legitimate cameras will not have a view of the keypad.
• Do not accept help from strangers. If you are having difficulty using a machine, do not allow someone else to direct you to another ATM or handle your Card. They may swipe your Card surreptitiously through a handheld device or bring you to a compromised machine.