Can you tell the difference between the two card readers above? There is no way I could. This card scanner was found on an ATM in Woodland Hills, CA; and it is designed to scan your card for its account information and watch you type in your PIN number.
Unfortunate for us, this scanner was designed for specifically that ATM so it is unlikely that it will be used on other ATM’s that don’t have that exact layout. So you always have to be on your toes when going to an ATM. Now, not only do you have to look behind your every 10 seconds, but you have to check if that card reader your putting your credit card into is sending your information to a third-party or not.
The best and most likely your only way to protect yourself from these thieves is to just be aware of your ATM’s. If you use it frequently, check to see if the reader has changed. Look at the reader closely for any suspicious holes or edges that don’t seem to have an obvious purpose. Though, the way that will work 100% of the time is to just not use ATM’s but that is impractical.
Read [Cynical C]
I use whats known as a credit card. Rarely, if ever, do I need cash for anything anymore. If I do, I always visit the pretty teller ladies inside and let them give me my money. So far none of them have stolen my PIN or other account information. Maybe not the fastest or easiest way to get some cash, especially if they aren't open, but it's more fun to flirt with them than the ATM any day.