Swiping scamming, also known as card skimming, is a type of fraud that involves stealing credit or debit card information by using a device to illegally swipe and store the data. The scammer may use the stolen information to make purchases or withdraw money from a victim’s bank account, or even open new accounts in the victim’s name, allowing them access to funds for their own benefit. Criminals can obtain card details by installing skimming devices on retail point-of-sale terminals, ATMs, or gas pumps, or by applying for new credit in someone else’s name using stolen personal information such as Social Security numbers and addresses.

Swiping scamming can result in serious financial losses for the victim, as well as damage to their credit score. To protect yourself from becoming a victim of swiping scamming, there are several steps you can take, such as:

• Checking your bank and credit card statements regularly for any unauthorized transactions.
• Covering the keypad when entering your PIN at an ATM or point-of-sale terminal.
• Using a payment card with chip technology instead of swiping a payment card with a magnetic strip.
• Running a debit card transaction as credit, which gives you more protection than running it as debit.

It is important to be aware of the threat and take precautions when swiping your card at higher-risk locations to help reduce your chances of becoming a scam victim and having your information stolen.