In the digital age, where technology has become an indispensable part of our everyday life, we face new challenges and threats. While we used to only worry about physical pickpockets who would steal a few bills from our wallets, today we are faced with digital thieves who can "scan" our cards in an instant and access our financial resources without ever physically touching us. This invisible threat is called "skimming" and has become one of the most common forms of theft in the urban environment. So how does this mysterious technique work and how can we protect ourselves from it? How do I protect myself from credit card skimming?

How does skimming work? Digital thieves use small devices that can read information from your card without physical contact. They can copy your card information in seconds while it's still in your wallet.

Most likely scenarios: Public places with a lot of people, such as shops, stations, airports and cafes, are a real paradise for digital thieves. However, less obvious places like fitness centers or libraries have also become the scene of these invisible crimes.

What is credit card skimming?!

Credit card skimming or NFC skimming is an illegal technique in which fraudsters use devices to silently capture and store data from payment cards that use Near Field Communication (NFC) technology for contactless payments. This method combines traditional skimming, where data is captured from a physical magnetic tape, with a modern approach that enables contactless "skimming" of data at a distance of a few centimeters. Due to this risk, it is recommended to use protective covers or wallets that block NFC signals to prevent any unauthorized attempts to access the data on the card.

A typical skimming scenario:

Janez was excited about the new cafe in the city center. While he was waiting in line to order his morning coffee, he noticed someone nearby with a laptop who seemed pretty engrossed in his work. He thought nothing of it and went about his day.

While paying for his coffee with a contactless card, his card was unknowingly "scanned" by a skimmer, a small device hidden near the till. This device was able to read and store data from the card in seconds without John noticing.

protect against credit card skimming — Photo: envato elements

Later that day, Janez received an SMS notification from his bank about an unusual transaction. At first he thought it was a mistake, but upon further inspection he realized that several purchases had been made from his card at online stores that he did not recognize.

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What you should pay attention to:

Unusual equipment: Be aware of unusual devices or wires near cash registers or ATMs. Skimmers are often placed on top of real card readers.
SMS notifications: Most banks offer a transaction notification service via SMS. Enable this feature to be instantly notified of all transactions.
Unusual transactions: Check your bank statements regularly and be aware of unusual or unknown transactions.
Security codes: Some banks offer the option of setting a security code for transactions. This is an additional level of security that prevents unauthorized transactions.
Unknown Wi-Fi networks: Be careful when connecting to unknown Wi-Fi networks, as attackers can use fake hotspots to intercept data.
Protect your card: Use RFID-blocking covers or wallets to prevent unauthorized reading of your card.

Awareness and proactivity are key to protecting against skimming. Always pay attention to your surroundings and monitor your financial transactions regularly.

How do I protect myself from credit card skimming?

Cheap Card Sleeves: A simple and effective solution. These sleeves act as a digital shield to prevent unauthorized reading of your cards.
RFID-blocking cards: These cards are like bodyguards for all your cards. Instead of protecting each card individually, you can use these cards to block all skimming attempts.
Suitcase wallets: Not only a fashion accessory, but also a fortress for your cards. They are made of materials that prevent unauthorized reading of your cards.
Digital wallets on the phone: The future of payment is here. Digital wallets use advanced technologies to ensure that your cards are safe even in digital form.

In a world where any technology can be a double-edged sword, it is vital to always stay one step ahead of potential threats. By understanding the risks and using the right tools, we can ensure that our wallet is always safe. Be proactive and protect your financial information from digital thieves. That's right protect against credit card skimming.