Medium riskBank & Payment

Card Skimming Scam

In a card skimming scam, criminals attach hidden devices to ATMs, fuel pumps, or shop card readers, often with a tiny camera or fake keypad, to copy your card details and PIN and later make fraudulent transactions or card clones.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Card theft scam
Main red flag
A card reader, ATM, or pump that looks tampered with, has loose parts, or hides your hand as you type your PIN.
What to do first
Avoid using a machine that seems altered, and always cover the keypad with your other hand when entering your PIN.

What to know first

In a card skimming scam, criminals attach hidden devices to ATMs, fuel pumps, or shop card readers, often with a tiny camera or fake keypad, to copy your card details and PIN and later make fraudulent transactions or card clones.

Bank and payment scams weaponise your trust in your bank and your fear of losing money. They fake fraud alerts, blocked payments, or refunds, then steer you into moving money to a "safe account", sharing a one-time code, or approving a transfer, actions a genuine bank will never ask of you.

The core pattern to watch for is clear: A card reader, ATM, or pump that looks tampered with, has loose parts, or hides your hand as you type your PIN. Avoid using a machine that seems altered, and always cover the keypad with your other hand when entering your PIN.

Related tricks worth knowing: the Fake Bank Alert Text Scam and the QR Code Scam. For the wider picture, browse the Bank & Payment Scams guides or run the message through our scam checker.

Scam statistics

#1
copycat bank fraud alerts were the most-reported text scam in the US in 2022
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
£459.7M
lost to authorised push payment (APP) fraud in the UK in 2023
Source: UK Finance

Tell-tale red flags

  • A card slot, keypad, or panel that looks loose, bulky, or recently added
  • Parts of the machine that do not match the rest in colour or finish
  • A pinhole or small camera angled towards the keypad
  • An ATM in a quiet or poorly lit spot where tampering is harder to notice
  • Unexpected payments or withdrawals appearing after using a particular machine

Staying safe

  • Gently check the card slot and keypad, and avoid the machine if anything feels loose
  • Cover the keypad with your free hand whenever you enter your PIN
  • Prefer machines inside banks or busy, well-lit locations where tampering is harder
  • Check your statements often and report any payment you do not recognise

How it usually reads

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'You insert your card at an unfamiliar ATM and the card slot feels loose or sits oddly raised. A small extra panel is fixed above the keypad. Days later, payments you did not make appear on your statement.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

What to notice: A card reader, ATM, or pump that looks tampered with, has loose parts, or hides your hand as you type your PIN.

Steps if you already acted

  • If you spot unfamiliar charges, contact your bank to freeze or cancel the card
  • Ask the bank to reissue a new card with new details
  • Note where and when you last used the card so the bank can investigate
  • Keep monitoring your statements for further unexpected transactions

Common mistakes

  • Do not enter your PIN without covering the keypad
  • Do not force your card into a slot that feels loose or jammed
  • Do not ignore small unfamiliar charges, as they can signal a cloned card

Scams like this one

High risk Bank & Payment

Fake Bank Alert Text Scam

This scam sends a text claiming suspicious activity on your account, then steers you to a fake login page or a 'fraud agent' who pressures you to move money.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Text Message

QR Code Scam

This scam uses a malicious QR code, often a sticker over a real one or sent by text, that leads to a fake payment or login page or prompts a harmful app install.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Bank & Payment

Bank Impersonation Phone Scam

In this scam a caller pretends to be your bank's fraud team, claims your account is under attack, and pressures you to move money to a 'safe account', read out one-time codes, or grant remote access so they can steal your funds.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Your questions answered

How do skimmers get my PIN as well as my card?
Many setups pair a card-reading device with a hidden camera or a fake keypad placed over the real one to record your PIN. This is why covering the keypad as you type is a simple but effective habit.
Are contactless and chip cards safer from skimming?
Chip and contactless payments are generally harder to copy than the magnetic stripe, but no method is risk-free. Watching your statements and reporting odd charges quickly remains important.
Can I always tell if a machine has a skimmer?
Not always, as some devices are well hidden. Checking for loose parts helps, but the most reliable protection is covering your PIN and reviewing your statements regularly.
What should I do if I think my card was skimmed?
Contact your bank to cancel and replace the card, then report any fraudulent transactions. You can also report the tampered machine to the bank or operator and your local authorities.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.