Technologically-savvy thieves have found ways to steal money without your wallet ever leaving your possession. One popular method is to attach a skimmer to a legitimate ATM or gas station terminal. When you insert your ATM or debit card, the skimmer reads your card information, and the PIN is captured with a hidden camera or keyboard overlay device. Then, they can put your information on a blank magnetic card or use it to shop online until your account is drained. Enjoy using your cards, but keep them safe with the following tips:

• Before inserting your card, see if the card slot wiggles. If it does, there may be a skimmer on it. Use another terminal, and let your financial institution know.
• Try using the same ATM for all of your transactions. You are more likely to notice if the machine has been tampered with if you are using a familiar one. 
• Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN. If a hidden camera is being used, this prevents the camera from capturing it. 
• Always check your account statements for fraudulent activity. If you see any suspicious charges, notify your financial institution immediately.

By using email spam or pop-up messages, “phishers” work hard to trick consumers into disclosing credit card numbers, account information, Social Security numbers, and other details best kept private. Posing as a financial institution, government agency, or Internet service provider, the message will typically read that your account or information needs updating or validation. Take the bait and phishers will have what they need to use your credit cards, open new accounts, or even commit crimes in your name. To avoid getting scammed:

• Know that legitimate companies will not ask you for confidential information via email or pop-up messages
• Do not reply or click on the links in email or pop up messages that ask for personal or financial information
• Never use email to transmit personal and financial information 
• Install high quality anti-virus software
• Avoid filling out forms included in email or pop-up messages
• Give personal and financial information only when you’ve initiated the contact
• Make sure there is a lock icon on the browser’s status bar and the URL reads “https” not “http” before providing confidential information online