FBI Alert: New Credit Card Skimming Scam Targets Unsuspecting Shoppers – How to Avoid Losing Money
The FBI is warning consumers about a surge in a new type of credit card skimming scam that could drain your bank account in seconds. Criminals are now using "shimmer" devices, smaller and harder to detect than traditional skimmers, inserted deep into gas pumps and ATMs. These devices steal your card’s magnetic stripe and chip data, paired with hidden pinhole cameras to capture your PIN. For the average shopper, this means a trip to the gas station or grocery store could cost you hundreds in fraudulent charges. Experts recommend using contactless payments (tap-to-pay) or mobile wallets like Apple Pay whenever possible, which encrypt your data and bypass the chip reader entirely. Also, cover the keypad when entering your PIN, and inspect the card reader for loose parts or mismatched colors. If you spot a skimmer, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center immediately—don’t risk a chargeback fee or weeks of hassle disputing a drained account.