How to spot an ATM skimmer and protect your bank account

ATM skimming is a type of financial fraud where criminals install illegal devices on automated teller machines to capture data from the magnetic stripe of a credit or debit card. These devices are called “skimmers,” and are often designed to fit perfectly over the existing card slot. As a result, they can be difficult to see and may go unnoticed if you aren’t looking for them. 

Beyond the card data itself, fraudsters also need your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access your funds. They typically obtain this by installing a hidden pinhole camera that can see the keypad, but they may also place a fake keypad overlay directly on top of the real one to log your keystrokes. Once they have your card data and your PIN, criminals can then create counterfeit cards and perform unauthorized withdrawals.

Want to know how to spot an ATM skimmer? The good news is that a quick once-over can help you identify whether or not a machine is safe to use. Here are the five most common signs of ATM skimmers to look for. 

1. Bulky, uneven, or misaligned card slot

A legitimate card slot sits flush against the machine and matches its color and finish. Skimmers are overlays, meaning they're placed on top of the real slot. As a result, the area around it often looks thicker, raised, or slightly off-center compared to the rest of the ATM.

Before inserting your card, look for:

• A card slot that protrudes further than you'd expect or wobbles when touched

• Color or material that doesn't quite match the surrounding panel

• Edges that don't sit flush, with visible gaps between the slot and the machine

• Any part that moves, shifts, or feels loosely attached when you give it a gentle tug

2. Loose or spongy keypads

ATM keypads should feel firm and uniform when you press them. A keypad overlay — which is designed to capture your PIN — sits on top of the real one, which often makes the keys feel softer, spongier, or slightly raised compared to normal.

When entering your PIN, pay attention to:

• Keys that feel mushy, sticky, or harder to press than usual

• A keypad that sits higher than the surrounding surface

• Inconsistent resistance across different keys

• Any movement when you press down on the edges of the keypad

3. Visible glue or tape residue

Criminals attach skimming devices quickly, and the adhesive they use often leaves traces. These are easy to spot once you know to look for them, and they're one of the clearest signs that something has been tampered with.

Check around the card slot, keypad, and screen bezel for:

• Sticky residue, dried glue, or double-sided tape

• Small strips of adhesive along the edges of panels

• Surfaces that feel tacky when you run your finger along them

4. Hidden cameras

Tiny pinhole cameras may be concealed near the screen or above the keypad. Wherever the camera is, it will be angled to record your fingers as you type.

These cameras are small but not invisible. Look for:

• Unusual holes or dark spots on the ATM housing, especially above or beside the keypad

• A panel or brochure holder that looks out of place or recently added

• Small, lens-like reflections when light hits the machine at an angle

Regardless of whether anything looks suspicious, covering the keypad with your other hand while entering your PIN is a simple habit that can help protect your accounts. 

5. Blocked or tampered-at-source security seals

Many ATMs have security seals or stickers on panels that need to be opened for maintenance. These seals are designed to show visible damage if someone has accessed the internal components of a machine.

Signs that a seal has been tampered with include:

• Seals that are torn, peeling, or partially removed

• Stickers that look newer or different from the rest of the machine

• "Void" text appearing on a seal, which indicates it has been lifted and reapplied

• Panels that are slightly ajar or don't sit evenly

Skimmers sit on top of the ATM, and because they're added to the outside of the machine, they can often be spotted through visual or physical checks like the ones above.

Shimmers are harder to detect. Instead of sitting on the surface, a shimmer is a paper-thin device inserted inside the card slot itself, positioned between your chip card and the reader. It intercepts data from your card's chip as the ATM reads it.

Because shimmers are hidden inside the machine, they won't change the look or feel of the card slot. They're also newer and increasingly common as chip cards have become standard. The good news is that shimmers can't fully clone a chip card the way skimmers can clone a magnetic stripe. However, the data they capture can still be used to create counterfeit magnetic stripe cards or for other types of fraud.

If your card feels unusually tight going in or comes out with more resistance than normal, it could indicate a shimmer is present inside the slot. Monitor your account carefully if this is the case. And as always, practicing online safety and being aware of the latest tech fraudsters are using is essential to protecting your accounts. 

A few small habits can go a long way in keeping your accounts secure, whether you're withdrawing cash, checking your balance, or using your card online.

• Cover the keypad with your hand every time you enter your PIN, even if nothing looks suspicious

• Perform a quick “wiggle test” by grasping the card reader before inserting your card, and if any part feels loose, don't use the machine

• Use ATMs inside bank branches where possible, as they're typically more regularly monitored and harder to tamper with

• Avoid standalone ATMs in low-traffic or poorly lit areas, such as convenience stores or tourist spots

• Enable transaction alerts through your bank so you're notified of any activity in real time

• Check your account statements regularly and flag any unfamiliar charges immediately

• Use contactless or mobile wallet payments where available, as these don't expose your card's physical data to the reader

• If anything about an ATM looks or feels off, trust your instinct and find another one

If you notice unfamiliar transactions, receive an unexpected alert, or realize you've used a suspicious ATM, acting quickly can limit the damage. Here’s what to do if you suspect your card was compromised: 

• Contact your bank or credit union immediately to report the issue and request a card freeze or replacement

• Change your PIN and update any online banking passwords associated with the account

• Review your recent transactions carefully and flag any you don't recognize

• File a report with your bank's fraud department, as most institutions have a dedicated process for disputed charges

• Report the compromised ATM to the bank that operates it so they can inspect and secure the machine

• Consider filing a report with local law enforcement, especially if you've lost funds

• Monitor your account closely over the following weeks, as fraudulent charges don't always appear right away

In most cases, banks and credit unions are required to investigate and resolve unauthorized transactions. Under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, your liability for unauthorized withdrawals is limited, but only if you report the fraud promptly. The sooner you report the issue, the stronger your protections are. If you report within two days, your maximum liability is only $50. 

And remember: reviewing your transaction history through secure high-yield savings accounts or checking apps can help you spot small "test" transactions that often precede larger fraudulent withdrawals. This allows you to act quickly if your account information is ever stolen. 

Protecting your hard-earned savings requires a combination of physical awareness and digital caution. 

By learning how to spot an ATM skimmer and favoring modern payment technologies like contactless tapping, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to card fraud. 

And remember, always trust your instincts. If a machine looks suspicious, it is better to find another ATM than to risk your account security. You worked hard for those savings, so taking extra steps to protect them is always worth the effort. 

The above article is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any action, you should always seek the assistance of a professional who knows your particular situation for advice on taxes, your investments, the law, or any other business and professional matters that affect you and/or your business.