Skimming Money Off Your Credit Card by Skimming Your Credit Card

Skimming is a crime that occurs by obtaining the data off your credit card at the time of sale and using that information to make counterfeit credit cards or buy items using the data. A dishonest employee such as a hotel cashier or restaurant waiter will use a small electronic machine such as a PDA that is equipped with a card reader to swipe the customer's credit card when nobody is watching. The credit card information can then be applied to the magnetic strip of a counterfeit card.

Even though skimming is many times a high-tech enterprise, it does not require the use of card readers and/or computer equipment. An employee who writes down the credit card information is just as guilty as somebody using high technology means. Avoid this situation when possible. MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover will fine merchants who are destined to be a "point of weakness" in this form of credit card fraud.

Meanwhile, Visa will reward $1,000 to anybody who furnishes information leading to the arrest of a "skimmer." Therefore, be vigilant when it comes to employee fraud.

How to Prevent Credit Card Skimming

At your job:

• Look out for anybody using any electronic device that is not part of your daily routine.


• Be suspicious of anybody offering you money to record credit card account information.


• Be suspicious of anybody asking for customer account information over the phone.


• Look out for the latest con game which involves using a cell phone to take pictures of the card.

If you witness any of the above conditions, contact your credit card merchant right away.

Warning Signs of Credit Card Fraud

Be on the lookout for customers who:

• Buy a lot of merchandise with no regard to size, style, price, or color.


• Ask no questions on large purchases.


• Attempt to distract or hurry you during the sale.


• Make purchases and come back later to make additional purchases.


• Make big purchases at the opening or at the last minute when the store is about to close.


• Refuse to have the goods delivered for free on larger items.

If you suspect credit card fraud going on:

• Detain the customer's credit card nonchalantly.


• Follow your company's procedures regarding possible credit card fraud and notify your manager.


• Contact your voice authorization center and ask for a "Code 10" authorization in a very normal tone of voice so as not to alert the customer. The counselor will advise you on what to do.

Caution: Always maintain safety at all times to yourself and those around you.

There are lots of fraud schemes out there such as the credit card skimming. It is up to you to educate yourself to recognize what is and is not legitimate. By doing so, you can minimize becoming a victim to the crime of credit card skimming.

Fabiola Castillo is an online marketer for the website NinjaCOPS.com. This virtual store specializes in personal defense products where you can buy Mace pepper spray, kubaton keychains, hidden video cameras, cheap stun guns, nunchaku tricks videos, telescopic steel batons, and many other home security products.