One tactic is for a thief to install a skimmer on an ATM machine so that when you think the bank is scanning it, it’s actually being scanned by the crook. These devices can even be installed over the bank’s legitimate slot so as the bank scans your card so does the thief.  A small hidden camera can video your fingers as you type in your PIN.  With the pin and a scanned image of your card, the thief has everything they need to steal your money.  Some of these devices even have hidden cell phones that instantly transmit the account information to the criminals who could be anywhere in the world.

What can you do?

• Examine the ATM machine to make sure there’s nothing attached to the front.  
• Cover your hand as you type in your PIN so that a hidden camera can’t record it. 
• If the ATM pad is stiff or difficult to punch, there is a possibility that a recording device could have been placed on top of it.
• Be aware of who you give your credit cards to.  If a waiter or clerk takes it into a back room, there is the possibility they could skim the card and write down the expiration date and the three or four digit security code on the back or front of the card. That’s all they need to misuse your card.  
• Check your statements carefully but – better yet – get an online banking account and check recent activity on a regular basis.  Transactions are typically posted online in real time or within a couple of days.

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Check out this video from a local TV station about a clever way theives steal your ATM informatoin