There are two types of Card Skimming. The first type is a scenario in which someone takes an extra swipe of your credit card. It could be a waiter, a store clerk, or anyone to whom you've handed your credit card for payment. Instead of just charging your card, the thief takes an extra swipe of your credit card into a small, hand-held device known as a skimmer. The skimmer extracts and stores the data from your card, giving the thief all of the information he or she needs to create a counterfeit card.

A skimmer can store card data from hundreds of different credit cards. Once information has been downloaded into the skimmer, it can then be downloaded into a computer and e-mailed anywhere in the world.

The second type involves collecting ATM/Debit card numbers and PINs for the purpose of stealing money from your account. This scheme is accomplished through two methods either by simply watching members as they use ATMs (a technique known as "shoulder surfing"), or a high-tech method, which is installing false card readers called skimmers on top of existing ATMs. Skimmers record the information from the magnetic stripe on the card while a small camera is placed either in the skimmer or near the ATM to record the pin number. With the stolen information, scammers can manufacture counterfeit ATM/Debit cards that then can be used to withdraw money or make purchase from accounts.

Since the ATM machines work normally, victims are unaware that they have just given scammers the “keys” to their bank accounts.

Tips to Protect Yourself From Card Skimming:

• Be wary of anything about the ATM machine that looks out of the ordinary, such as odd-looking equipment or wires attached to a device. If it doesn’t look right don’t use it.
• If an ATM has any unusual signs, don't use it. No Credit Union would hang a sign that says for example, "Swipe your ATM here before inserting it in the card reader".
• Members should check their bank accounts regularly to make sure there are no unusual or unauthorized transactions. If you find any unauthorized transaction contact SFCU at once, (650) 723-2509.
• Protect your PIN, including not giving the number to anyone and covering the keypad while you are entering your PIN.
• If possible, it is usually best to carry out your ATM transactions during the daylight hours, as most ATM-related crimes happen after dark. For more ATM safety tips review the SFCU Truth in Savings.