Skimming involves the unauthorised copying of electronic data from credit or debit cards. Although it is often done by dishonest shop assistants, in recent years has involved more sophistocated electronic devices. This can include stealing credit card data by swiping the card through a machine (which may be concealed within a valid ATM) that reads information on the magnetic strip. These details are then used to make counterfeit cards, which are often sold on.
The most prevalent form of counterfeit fraud whereby a genuine card's magnetic stripe details are electronically copied and put onto another card.
Skimming happens when someone, often a retail store employee, uses his or her own electronic device to swipe your card and gather its account information. This sometimes happens when the employee is already holding your card during a purchase at a register.
Occurs if the reader's purpose is to look for specific information within a document. See Part IX.
An illegal practice of obtaining personal information under false pretenses. An example would include a dishonest cashier skimming your credit card number through a card reader.
Copying the magnetic stripe details of a plastic card with a card reader, for use in counterfeiting.
Copying the magnetic stripe encoding from one card to another.
This is when your card has been copied at a cash machine or pay counter. Make sure you donâ€(tm)t let your cards out of your sight in bars, restaurants and petrol stations.
Skimming is another method identity thieves use to get your personal information. It’s usually done by an employee of a restaurant, a gas station, or any other place where you swipe your card. They have little swiping tools of their own, which they use to quickly swipe your card. A good way to prevent skimming is to always swipe your own card.
The replication of account information encoded on the magnetic stripe of a valid card and its subsequent use for fraudulent transactions in which a valid authorization occurs. The account information is captured from a valid card and then re-encoded on a counterfeit card. The term "skimming" is also used to refer to any situation in which electronically transmitted or stored account data is replicated and then re-encoded on counterfeit cards or used in some other way for fraudulent transactions.