Fake Credit Card Swiper Steals Your Identity
Identity theft is so hot right now.
Some enterprising, technologically empowered young thieves stuck a credit card recording device to a Safeway DVD kiosk in Colorado. They were apparently skimming the credit information of movie renters for some time, with the device only being discovered when a customer complained that their card wasn't swiping properly. The two-inch skimming device was attached to the top of the card reader.
So watch out, people! As the sheriff on the scene warned, this could apply to ATM's, automated fuel station pumps, DVD rental boxes, vending machines, concert or event type machines, or "any other machine that may ask you to scan your credit card without actually dealing with a clerk or employee."
In other words, what credit card machines really need is more humanity. Maybe the robots won't take over after all.
From Consumerist
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
robertw244 @ Nov 6th 2007 1:37PM
Great! More paranoia. How do we consumers guard against this?
Christopher Kidwell @ Nov 6th 2007 5:55PM
We can't guard against this, robertw244. It is going to have to be done at the credit card companies, by increasing security (making someone punch in a password even for credit card transactions) and making the cards 'swipe-steal' proof.
Trevor @ Nov 13th 2007 12:52AM
This CAN be guarded against. As a consumer, PAY ATTENTION to the devices to which you instert your credit cards. If they look suspect, do not use them. And if you suspect you have been a victim of credit card fraud, call your credit card company immediately. The most you can be liable for is $50, and most companies waive that.
biggy @ Nov 14th 2007 7:06PM
Scams,phishing,bogus emails,etc. are a way of life these days.From smartass kids that think it's so cool to plant a virus "bomb"in someones computer,to intelligent,resourceful,crooks that blindside you with unexpected consequences.
My generation had it's share of slick crooks,but it was usually an elaborate charade involving more than one person and not dependant on the internet for anonymity.The best we can do as consumers/internet users is to avail ourselves of the best security software possible and(no less importantly)think before we act.
patty @ Nov 14th 2007 8:09PM
this whole identity fraud stuff i watch alot of forensic files n seen/read alot of criminals commit all sorts of crimes they always find a way around whatever the scam theft is for the time being. i just wish there were people out there who dont click on the scam n enter there cc info if its to good to be true i suggest u go with any of these theorys look for key words in ur email think closely about the email that is sent to u if u dont know anything about it dont clicke on the email delete it. how hard is it for u to do that. im smart enough to know all that and if i dont know it looks suspisous to good to be true i dont click on the email i delete it no ?s ask. never get that attitude it never happen to me it can happen to anyone knowing that if it does happen smart ways to avoid from u being a identity theft victim.
Manjunath Anniah @ Dec 27th 2007 7:43AM
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