Credit card "skimming"

[Slalomguy]

NVD members:

You are all probably way more vigilant on this one, than I have ever been, but still wanted to pass on the heads up..

Our family visited with my wife's cousin's family in Airdrie, Friday evening, and on the way home, I filled up at a gas station (can't remember what company), as the gas was 81.9 there. I used my CIBC debit card to pay for the gas.

Couldn't use my debit card Sat. morning, so went to a CIBC branch to find out why. Turns out, my debit card had been "skimmed" somewhere, so CIBC froze my account. After giving me a printout of recent transactions, there it was--the max. you could take out of my account at one time, $500.., taken out probably Saturday, the day after I had used my card for the gas.. After the gas purchase, the $500 debit was the next transaction..

I wanted to go back to the gas station and complain, but I don't know for certain that it happened there. It could have been skimmed earlier, at another business, and by coincidence, used on Sat., I guess.

I have a new debit card now, and I think CIBC will replace the $500, after their investigation. I have never kept an eye on my card, once I give it to the sales person to process, but I will now.

It should never have to leave your line of sight, if everything is legit. If it disappears below the counter, then that should be a red flag raised!!!

Just want everyone to be careful, and hang on to their money!!!

[stefan]

Re: Credit card "skimming"

my friend had that happen, and it was tracked to a location he spent money at monthes before. hard to pinpoint where it happened.

[Stonewall]

Re: Credit card "skimming"

My card was canceled last month due to it being used at one place that was under investigation. They didn't even phone me to tell me it was cancelled but they told me on the phone that they usually do. I almost got caught with no money and no way to get moeny on a long weekend which would have sucked big time.

[Kor]

Re: Credit card "skimming"

I don't understand how it can be hard to trace... they know who debited the card and into what account. Obviously the owner of said account is responsible for returning the money.

[gaffer]

Re: Credit card "skimming"

This happened to my boss. From what he was told is that often the crooks will wait sometime, either weeks or months to use that card so it is harder for them to track it back to where the skimming took place.

Sorry to hear about that.

Andrew

[Slalomguy]

Re: Credit card "skimming"

NVD members:

An update to my previous post:

As well, when I punch in my PIN no., I never attempt to hide what nos. I am pressing, and even leave the machine in the holder, when putting in the numbers, so I must have been an easy mark. I always figured my wife was being paranoid, when concealing what numbers she was pressing, but I know now why she does this, and will do the same from now on!! Don't make it any easier for those sumbags!!!

[liquid]

Re: Credit card "skimming"

So how exactly does this skimming process work? I tend to use my debit card alot, so this is a little worrying.

[R_Ethug]

Re: Credit card "skimming"

they swipe it twice.. sometimes they have an inline reader that steals the info i'm not too worried about this stuff as i have a whole 2 dollars in the bank nowadays

but this is the main reason alot of places make you swipe you card yourself now..

[Khyron]

Re: Credit card "skimming"

Waiter at the Mongolie Grill got a few coworkers a few years back. Hell, I've been the most paranoid card guy and I've still had my CC snaked twice. Once in Mexico at a pretty major car rental and then again somewhere else - bank never told me. I avoid debit as much as possible.

As for the skimmer - they often make a new magnetic strip and so can create a new card to use at an ATM as opposed to transfering it into their own account. Cash in the hand.

Khyron

[Kor]

Re: Credit card "skimming"

As for the skimmer - they often make a new magnetic strip and so can create a new card to use at an ATM as opposed to transfering it into their own account.

Sneaky.

[R_Ethug]

Re: Credit card "skimming"

i'm paranoid out of country for sure with my CCs..

actually last trip to the lou mastercard phoned me and asked if i was working down south again because i had over 1g ran up in a few days which was all company expenses i was pleasantly surprised with thier good customer service

[kuhli]

Re: Credit card "skimming"

I've been scanned twice but I've never had any money taken from my accounts. The first time was at the Esso at the bottom of Edmonton Trail, I'm not sure on the second one...would bet a lot that it was a gas station...

Don't forget your debit card can be nearly as bad as your credit card depending on your overdraft protection...

[Stonewall]

Re: Credit card "skimming"

i have a whole 2 dollars in the bank nowadays

I thought you had more money then god?

[R_Ethug]

Re: Credit card "skimming"

that's between me and god

[Satnam]

Re: Credit card "skimming"

You have to watch it/don't use debit card at gas stations.
Especially if there is a Point Of Sale (POS) terminal - the all in one machine with cash register and debit credit card integrated.
All info goes into the PC - card number, pin, the data that is entered into the PC is then sent to the debit/credit terminal or directly via internet for processing/approval.
The operator can, if they know how, download/send the info collected by the PC and send off to where ever to steal cash.

As a general rule never use "debit" at a gas station unless they have a stand alone debit/credit machine.
Credit card in a way is slightly more secure since a signature is required, but when was the last time someone checked your signature even.

This type of theft is possible at larger stores but there the cashiers don't have access to the PC.