Disguised to seamlessly look like part of an ATM, "skimmers" are devices installed by thieves to surreptitiously swipe your credit and debit-card information.
During the past few weeks, skimmers been found on several ATMs across Central Florida. On Monday, Lake Mary Police discovered a highly sophisticated device they say transmits data to a remote site and has its own power supply.
How can you tell whether an ATM may have a skimmer installed? And what can you do at an ATM to protect your information?
"If you look at one of these skimmers, they look like part of the machine," private investigator Jamie Copenhaver told Fox 35's Amy Kaufeldt on Good Day Orlando on Wednesday.
He suggested that before swiping your debit or credit card, wiggle the protruding slot in which you slide your card, because thieves often install skimmers on top of the ATM's actual slot and secure the skimmer with adhesive.
"Check the device and wiggle it to see if it's loose or if it falls off. Look for remnants or residue of double-sided tape. Anything that looks unusual, check it out."
Also: "When you type in your PIN on the machine, cover it up so no one can see it," because some have cameras that is reading or viewing your PIN as you enter it, Copenhaver said.
Finally, "if you're not sure, just don't use the machine," he said.
