Fraud at ATMs continues to sky rocket as criminals are becoming more and more knowledgeable on stealing card data. According to FICO Card Monitoring Services, debit card compromises at ATMs jumped 174% from January to April of this year, compared to the same period last year.

The new chip-enabled credit and debit cards will make it more difficult for thieves to create counterfeits and steal information. However, despite the ongoing efforts, it will be some time until the U.S. is completely EMV-ready. Farmers Trust and Savings Bank has plans to start issuing the EMV chip cards within the next year.

ATM Skimmers

ATM skimming makes up a lot of the fraud mentioned above. Skimming is like identity theft for debit cards – thieves use hidden electronics to copy personal data from the magnetic stripe on the back of your card. Typically the skimming device is equipped with the ability to capture your PIN number as well. Criminals then use the information to make a counterfeit debit card.

How to Protect Yourself

1. When entering your PIN, always cover the keypad with your other hand
2. Watch carefully for anything suspicious at an ATM – such as scratches, sticky tape residue, or loose equipment.
3. Avoid non-bank or standalone ATM locations. These locations are more likely to have skimming devices installed because they are typically in isolated areas, which make it much easier for thieves.
4. If something looks questionable, don’t use the ATM.