Don't Get Skimmed: How to Spot Debit Card Fraud Before It Happens to You


4/01/25
By Dennis Gonzales, Deposit Services Specialist III, First Southwest Bank
Dennis Gonzales headshot

Debit card fraud is more common than you might think, and fraudsters are getting better at making it hard to spot. Card skimmers are one of the most widespread tools thieves use to steal your financial information, often without you ever knowing it happened. The good news? A little awareness goes a long way. Here's what you need to know about how skimming works and the simple steps you can take to protect yourself. 

How it works:

  • Card skimmers are devices used by fraudsters to steal credit or debit card information, and are usually placed at gas pumps, ATMs, and pay terminals in places such as grocery or department stores.

  • When you put your card in these skimming devices, the information stored in your magnetic strip is read and either transmitted to the bad actor via a blue tooth device or stored on a USB type device for the bad actor to obtain and use at a later date.

  • Card skimmers are designed to look like legitimate card readers, making them difficult to detect.

  • Some devices will have a camera placed above the pin pad to obtain your pin number.

Tips to help prevent potential skimming:

  • Use Contactless Payment - Opt for contactless payment methods which allow you to make payments without physically inserting your card into the reader (tap to pay).

  • Inspect Payment Terminals – Always check the card reader and surrounding area for any signs of tampering such as loose or mismatched parts.

  • Look Above the Pin Pad - Look for any unusual or out of place items above the pin pad, it may be a camera used to obtain your pin number.

  • Look for Security Seals - Check to see if there is a security seal tape on the terminal and if so, ensure it has not been cut or tampered with.

  • Use Well Lit Areas - When using your card select fuel pumps or ATM terminals that are well-lit and located in highly visible areas, these deter criminals.

  • Avoid Non-Bank ATMs - Be cautious of ATMs located in convenience stores, bars, restaurants, grocery stores or check cashing establishments, as these are big targets for skimming devices.

  • Set Up Account Alerts - Alerts can be set up in online banking to notify you of transactions being made, low balance and other account information.  If your balance is unusually low, or a transaction alert is for something you did not do or authorize, contact your financial institution immediately.

  • Set up Transaction Limits - When using our card valet service, customers can set a transaction limit amount, mitigating loss should there be a compromise.

  • Notify your Financial Institution Immediately - If you identify unauthorized activity on your account, contact your financial institution immediately to freeze the card and accounts to help mitigate loss.

Protecting yourself from card skimmers doesn't require any special skills, just a few extra seconds of awareness each time you use your card. At First Southwest Bank, your financial security is our priority. If you ever notice suspicious activity on your account or have questions about keeping your money safe, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're always here to help.

Stay safe out there.