Updated November 2025 — When you use an ATM, your card and PIN are prime targets for criminals. One of the most common threats is ATM card skimming — a method thieves use to steal your card details without you noticing. This guide explains how skimming works, how to spot it, and the steps you can take to protect your money.
What Is ATM Card Skimming?
ATM card skimming is a type of payment card fraud where criminals secretly copy your card data and capture your PIN. They then use that information to make unauthorized withdrawals or create cloned cards.
Skimming devices are often designed to blend in with the ATM, so it’s important to know the basic steps scammers use:
- Device installation: A fake card reader (“skimmer”) is placed over or inside the real card slot. When you insert your card, the skimmer copies the data from the magnetic stripe or attempts to intercept chip data.
- PIN capture: A tiny hidden camera or a fake keypad records your PIN as you enter it.
- Data theft and cloning: The criminal retrieves the data from the skimmer, then creates a cloned card or uses your details to withdraw cash and make fraudulent purchases.
For a deeper dive into how criminals target ATMs and what they do with stolen data, see our full guide: Protect Yourself From Card Skimming.
Common Types of Skimming Devices
Skimmers can be very simple or surprisingly sophisticated. Some of the most common types you might encounter include:
- Overlay card readers: A fake reader that sits on top of the real one. It may look slightly bulkier or a different color from the rest of the machine.
- Deep-insert skimmers: Thin devices pushed deep inside the card slot, making them harder to spot from the outside.
- Fake keypads: A plastic keypad placed over the real one to record every PIN entry.
- Hidden cameras: Tiny cameras hidden in brochure holders, light bars, or panels above the keypad, pointed at your hands.
Newer ATMs and technologies are designed to make these tricks harder. If you want to understand how modern features like EMV, encryption, and machine learning help, check out our overview of ATM fraud trends and prevention tips.
Warning Signs an ATM May Be Skimmed
Most ATMs are safe, but a quick 10-second check can help you avoid the bad ones. Be on the lookout for:
- Loose or wobbly hardware: If the card reader, keypad, or fascia moves when you wiggle it, that’s a red flag.
- Mismatched colors and materials: Parts that don’t match the ATM’s color or finish might have been added later.
- Blocked mirrors or covers around the keypad: Mirrors and privacy shields should help you see around you—not block your view of the keypad.
- Unusual instructions or error messages: Requests to “re-enter your PIN,” insert your card multiple times, or odd on-screen prompts can be signs of tampering.
- People loitering too close: Anyone trying to stand behind you or distract you at the machine could be involved.
How to Protect Yourself From ATM Card Skimming
You can’t control what criminals do, but you can make your card a much harder target. Build these habits into every ATM visit:
- Use trusted ATMs: Prefer machines at bank branches, well-lit indoor locations, and busy areas over isolated ATMs.
- Inspect quickly before you insert your card: Tug the card reader and run a finger over the keypad to feel for overlays.
- Cover your PIN every time: Use your other hand or your wallet to shield the keypad from cameras or prying eyes.
- Set up alerts: Turn on text or app alerts so you’re notified of withdrawals and purchases as they happen.
- Keep your card in sight: At stores or restaurants, try not to let your card leave your view when it’s being processed.
For a broader checklist on staying safe at cash machines in general, read our dedicated ATM safety tips.
What to Do If You Suspect Skimming
If something feels off about an ATM, or you notice suspicious activity on your account, act quickly. Fast reporting can limit or even reverse the damage.
- Stop using the ATM immediately. Cancel the transaction if possible and remove your card.
- Call your bank or card issuer: Use the number on the back of your card. Ask them to freeze or replace your card and review recent transactions.
- Monitor your account closely: Check your recent and pending transactions for unfamiliar activity over the next several days.
- Report the ATM: Notify the bank that owns the ATM and, if it’s in a store or gas station, inform staff so they can shut it down.
- Dispute fraudulent transactions: Work with your bank’s dispute team to investigate and reverse unauthorized charges.
For more on how banks handle claims and errors after something goes wrong at the machine, see our guide to ATM transaction errors and dispute resolution.
Use Contactless and Cardless ATMs When Possible
One of the easiest ways to reduce skimming risk is to avoid inserting your physical card at all. Many modern ATMs now support contactless and cardless withdrawals:
- Contactless (tap) withdrawals: Use your phone or contactless card at NFC-enabled ATMs, which lowers the chance of a skimmer accessing your card data. Learn more in our Contactless ATMs guide.
- Cardless withdrawals via app: Some banks let you start a withdrawal in their mobile app, then scan a code at the ATM. For options near you, see Cardless ATM Near Me.
These methods don’t make fraud impossible, but they significantly reduce the chances of your card details being copied by a traditional skimmer.
Stay Safe on Your Phone Too
If you check your balance or banking apps while standing at an ATM, treat your phone like a second card: shield your screen, beware of shoulder-surfing, and avoid public Wi-Fi for banking tasks. Our ATM phone safety tips cover best practices to keep your mobile banking secure.
Find a Safe ATM Near You
Now that you understand ATM card skimming and how to prevent it, combine that knowledge with good location choices. Use our locator hub to pick safer, well-maintained machines in your area.