Pentagon Federal Credit Union
Log In Accounts
Search
  • Routing # 256078446
  • Partners
  • Member Discounts
  • Wealth
  • Foundation
  • ATMs & Branches
  • About
  • Search
  • Checking & Savings
    • Checking
      • Free Checking
      • Access America Checking
      • All Checking Accounts
    • Savings
      • Premium Online Savings
      • Regular Savings
      • All Savings Accounts
    • Certificates
      • Money Market Certificate
      • Coverdell Education Certificate
      • All Certificates
    • IRAs
      • IRA Certificate
      • IRA Savings Account
      • All IRAs
    • How Can We Help?
      • Contact Us
      • FAQs
      • Forms
    • Special
      • Access America Checking - Earn more and Get paid early.
  • Credit Cards
    • Our Cards
      • Credit Cards Overview
    • How Can We Help?
      • Contact Us
      • Disclosures
      • Resource Center
    • Special
      • Choose the perfect card - Open Now
  • Auto
    • Auto Loans
      • Purchase
      • Refinance
      • Car Buying Service
    • Protection
      • Vehicle Protection
      • GAP Coverage
      • Debt Protection
    • How Can We Help?
      • Contact Us
      • FAQs
      • Forms
    • Special
      • Unlock your next road trip - Explore Vehicles
  • Mortgage & Home Equity
    • Home
      • Mortgage Home
    • Purchase
      • Apply for a Mortgage
      • PenFed Homes
      • First Time Homebuyer
      • Mortgage Pre-approval
    • HELOC & Refi
      • HELOC
      • Mortgage Refi
    • Loan Types
      • Conventional Loan
      • FHA Loan
      • VA Loan
      • Jumbo Loan
      • VA Refi Loan
    • Tools & Resources
      • Knowledge Center
      • Mortgage Media
      • Mortgage Calculators
      • Contact
    • Special
      • Home affordability sale - View Rates
  • Loans
    • Personal Loans
      • Overview
      • Debt Consolidation
      • Credit Card Consolidation
      • Home Improvement
      • Additional Uses
    • Student Loans
      • Student Loans
    • How Can We Help?
      • Contact Us
      • FAQs
      • Forms
    • Special
      • Personal Loans made easy online
  • Learn
    • Learning Hub
      • Learning Center
      • Mortgage Knowledge Center
      • Financial Assistance Center
      • Natural Disaster Relief Assistance
    • About PenFed
      • About
      • New Members
      • Sponsors
      • FAQs
      • Forms
    • Security & Fraud
      • Security Center
    • How Can We Help?
      • Careers
      • Contact Us
    • Special
      • Learn how we protect your data
  • Join Now
  • Log In
  • Accounts
  • Resources

LEARNING CENTER

To get ahead you have to stay informed.
  1. Home
  2. Learning Center
  3. How to Spot ATM Skimmers

SECURITY

How to Spot ATM Skimmers

What you'll learn: How to spot ATM skimmers

EXPECTED READ TIME: 3 MINUTES

Published: August 06, 2020

There are many ways for you to safeguard your financial information. One of which is learning how to spot ATM skimmers. Before you make your next stop at the ATM to withdraw money, be sure to familiarize yourself with card skimming and the ways you can identify if your ATM transaction is at risk.

Card skimming is a process in which thieves place a small device or “skimmer” on a card reader like an ATM, gas pump, or postage stamp kiosk that enables them to steal your card data. Some of that data stolen includes your name, card number, and expiration date. This data can then be used for several scams including online purchases, counterfeit cards, and identity theft.

Skimmers tend to target places under less surveillance, but financial institutions are typically less susceptible due to regularly scheduled ATM maintenance checks and robust fraud monitoring. Advancements in technology have made card skimming harder to detect, but not impossible, so it is important to pay special attention to anywhere you decide to swipe your card.

There are a number of steps you can take to see if the ATM you are using has been tampered with. These steps can also be utilized at gas station pumps to avoid card skimming. Practice these helpful tips to ensure your financial safety.

1. Check for obvious tampering. Check for some obvious signs of tampering at the top of the ATM, near the speakers, the side of the screen, the card reader itself, and the keyboard. If something looks off such as a different color or material, graphics that aren’t aligned correctly or false-looking logos, don’t use that ATM.

2. Wiggle everything. ATMs are solidly constructed and generally don’t have any jiggling or loose parts. Pull at protruding parts like the card reader or see if the keyboard is securely attached and in just one piece. Does anything move when you push at it? For example, a loose PIN pad can indicate a fake overlay that reads your PIN number as you type it in. If something doesn’t seem attached correctly or is loose, the ATM has likely been tampered with.

3. Look out for details. Be on the lookout for any unusual devices on or around the ATM. Are there any unusual marks, tape, or glue residue on the ATM? This can be a sign of a “skimmer” that is attached or was once attached to that ATM.

4. Always assume someone is looking. Whenever you enter your card PIN, assume someone is looking, even if no one is around you. Cover the keypad with your hand when you enter your PIN. If you don’t notice the skimmer and still swipe your card, covering your hand when you enter your PIN can sometimes help keep your money safe.

5. Report any issues. If you have trouble inserting your cards into the ATM or notice any of the signs of tampering, report it to your financial institution. It is also important to always monitor your accounts, verify your transactions, and report any unusual debit transactions as soon as possible. The Federal Trade Commission provides these tips for reporting card theft or fraudulent transactions, and how to limit your losses against card skimmers.

Have More Questions about Security? PenFed Has Answers.

Learn more about protecting yourself from online theft and threats.

Learn More

SIMILAR ARTICLES

Protection from Identity Theft & Financial Fraud

Concerned about identity theft protection for your family? PenFed Credit Union offers tips to protect your personal information. See how identity theft can affect your finances.
Protection from Identity Theft & Financial Fraud

Safeguard Your Financial Data

In the online phishing world, helping to safeguard your financial data is a responsibility PenFed Credit Union takes seriously, using the latest security measures to secure your finances.
Safeguard Your Financial Data

Avoid Scams Online and Protect Your Family

Whether you want to protect yourself or protect your family, the first step to avoid scams online is to be aware. Let's talk about what these scams may look like, so you'll know when you run into online scams.
Avoid Scams Online and Protect Your Family

What to Do if Your Identity is Stolen

Have no fear...we've got the simple strategies and advice to help you prevent and respond effectively to identity theft and fraud.
stolen identity
  • ATMs & Branches
  • Careers
  • Foundation
  • Contact Us
  • Security Center

This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Rates are current as of May 2025 unless otherwise noted and are subject to change.

APY = Annual Percentage Yield
APR = Annual Percentage Rate


  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • youtube
  • instagram
Download the PenFed app on Apple Store Download the PenFed app on Google Play
Read More about Equal Housing
Routing #256078446

©2025 Pentagon Federal Credit Union

Privacy
Disclosures
Fees
Rates
Forms
Site Map

Head’s Up!

You are about to visit a third-party site not affiliated with PenFed.org.

penfedcu.sparrowfi.com sparrowfi.com penfed and traveller logo penfed and seguros logo penfed and national car logo penfed and trustage logo PenFed and CampusDoor logo PenFed and Ascent logo PenFed and Ascent logo penfed and househappy logo penfed and benefit services logo penfed and chubb logo penfed and alpha logo penfed and crutchfield logo penfed and ftd logo

This content is from a third-party website. PenFed Credit Union is not responsible for its information.

Continue

Get Started

×

LOGIN

JOIN