Do you know how to spot a card skimmer?

Fraudsters can install and remove a skimming device to ATMs or other payment kiosks within a short period. So, it’s good practice to be cautious when using any ATM or self-service payment kiosk, like gas pumps.

“When one skimmer is found in a community, there’s a good chance there may be more popping up,” said Todd Link, Dupaco Community Credit Union’s chief risk officer.

Skimming devices are sometimes easy to detect, while others are fairly sophisticated, Link said.

What’s a card skimmer?

A card skimming device is a piece of equipment fraudsters attach over card readers at ATMs or self-service payment kiosks at gas pumps, parking garages and elsewhere.

During the legitimate transaction, a card passes through the skimming device that illegally captures the card number. Criminals may also install a camera nearby to simultaneously record the cardholder’s PIN as it’s entered.

Thieves then retrieve the card skimmer and the stolen card information.

How does Dupaco communicate to impacted cardholders?

If a card skimmer is found on a Dupaco ATM, the credit union will notify all of its members who used the machines during the suspected time period and re-issue their debit cards. ATM transaction processer Shazam will notify financial institutions of non-members who used the ATM.

How to minimize damage

Follow these steps to catch identity theft early so that you can minimize the damage and restore your good name.

Change your PIN

If you think you might have been affected by a card skimmer, it’s a good idea to change your debit card PIN as soon as possible.

To re-PIN your card, call 888-891-2435 from the phone number Dupaco has listed on your account. You will need to enter the following information to complete your updated card PIN:

Monitor your credit report

Through Dupaco’s Bright Track monitoring service, you can access your full credit report and your credit score as often as you wish. Access to Bright Track is a free benefit of Dupaco membership.

Regularly monitor your credit report to keep an eye out for any fraudulent activity. Dupaco advises reviewing your credit report every month.

Monitor your accounts regularly

Monitor your transactions every day using Dupaco’s free eNotifiers to alert you by text and/or email of activity on your accounts.

If there has been fraudulent activity, you’ll be the first to know.

“I would encourage all members to receive eNotifier text alerts to detect fraud in real time,” Link said.

Learn how to set up Dupaco’s eNotifier alerts >

Consider Family ID Restoration coverage

Dupaco partners with Deluxe to offer its members Family ID Restoration coverage. The service gives you additional resources to help detect and respond to identity theft and fraud.

Explore Dupaco’s Family ID Restoration coverage >

Quickly disable your Dupaco cards

Easily prevent unauthorized use of your Dupaco card(s) by turning it off in Shine Online and Mobile Banking. When turned off, your card will remain unusable until you turn it on again. If you think someone is using your card without your permission, please call Dupaco right away at 800-373-7600.

How to spot a card skimmer

Before you insert a card into any ATM or self-service payment kiosk, look at the plastic surrounding the card reader.

It should look permanent and professional. And all pieces should be securely affixed to the machine, not loose. You should NEVER be able to remove any cover that’s on the card reader.

Be alert for any pieces attached to the machine that look out of place or as if they are not part of the originally manufactured machine.

Also, businesses and financial institutions do not point a camera toward the keyboard.

What to do if you’re suspicious

If you think an ATM or self-service payment kiosk has been tampered with, DO NOT use the machine. Contact your local law enforcement immediately.

If you believe you’re the victim of fraud or identity theft, please contact Dupaco immediately at 800-373-7600.