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How to Avoid atm card Skimmers
2:49 AM |You rarely let your atm card out of your sight, so how do bad guys get your atm card information? Some may get it from a friend waiting tables at a restaurant, but many atm card thieves get your card info using a device called a atm card Skimmer.
A atm card skimmer is a portable capture device that is attached in front of or on top of the legitimate scanner. The skimmer passively records the card data as you insert your atm card into the real scanner.
atm card thieves will often temporarily affix the card skimmer device to gas pumps, ATMs, or other convenient self-service point-of-sale terminals. The bad guys like gas pumps and ATMs because they are easy to retrieve their skimmers from and they generally receive a lot of traffic.
Skimmer technology has become cheaper and more sophisticated over the years. Some skimmers capture the card information using a magnetic reader and use a miniature camera to record you typing in your PIN number. Some skimmers will even go so far as to place a secondary keypad over top of the actual keypad. The secondary keypad captures your PIN number and records it while passing your input to the real keypad.
How can you detect and avoid having your atm card skimmed at the ATM or gas pump?
1. Inspect the card reader and the area near the PIN pad
Many banks and merchants realize that skimming is on the rise and will often post a picture of what the real device is supposed to look like so you will see that there is something attached that is not supposed to be there if a skimmer is present. Of course, a card skimmer could put a fake picture over the real picture so this isn't a fail-safe way to spot a skimmer.
To see what some skimmers look like check out these examples of card skimmers so you'll have an idea of what to look for.
Most skimming devices are designed to be temporarily affixed to the ATM or gas pump so they can be easily retrieved by the bad guys once they've collected a batch of cardholder data.
If you think the scanning device doesn't look like it matches the machine's color and style, it might be a skimmer.
2. Look at other nearby gas pumps or ATMs card readers to see if they match the one you are using.
Unless skimmers are running a large operation, they probably are only skimming at one gas pump at a time at the station you are using. Look at the pump next to yours to see if the card reader and setup look different. If they do then you might have just spotted a skimmer.
3. Trust your instincts. If in doubt, use another machine somewhere else.
Our brains are excellent at recognizing things that seem out of place. If you get a sense that something looks off about the ATM you are about to use, you might be better off using one that you feel more comfortable with.
4. Avoid using your PIN number at the gas pump.
When you pay at the pump with your debit/atm card, you usually have the option to use it as a credit or a debit card. It's best to choose the credit option that allows you to avoid entering your PIN in sight of a Card Skimmer camera. Even if there is not a card skimmer camera in sight someone could be watching you enter your PIN and could subsequently mug you and take your card to the nearest ATM to withdraw some cash.
When you use it as a atm card you usually only have to enter your billing ZIP code as verification which is much safer than putting in your PIN.
5. Keep an eye on your accounts
If you suspect that you might have had your card skimmed. Keep an eye on your account balance and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Check out About.com's Identity Theft Site for information, tips, and advice on how to keep your identity and atm card information safe
Read more…
A atm card skimmer is a portable capture device that is attached in front of or on top of the legitimate scanner. The skimmer passively records the card data as you insert your atm card into the real scanner.
atm card thieves will often temporarily affix the card skimmer device to gas pumps, ATMs, or other convenient self-service point-of-sale terminals. The bad guys like gas pumps and ATMs because they are easy to retrieve their skimmers from and they generally receive a lot of traffic.
Skimmer technology has become cheaper and more sophisticated over the years. Some skimmers capture the card information using a magnetic reader and use a miniature camera to record you typing in your PIN number. Some skimmers will even go so far as to place a secondary keypad over top of the actual keypad. The secondary keypad captures your PIN number and records it while passing your input to the real keypad.
How can you detect and avoid having your atm card skimmed at the ATM or gas pump?
1. Inspect the card reader and the area near the PIN pad
Many banks and merchants realize that skimming is on the rise and will often post a picture of what the real device is supposed to look like so you will see that there is something attached that is not supposed to be there if a skimmer is present. Of course, a card skimmer could put a fake picture over the real picture so this isn't a fail-safe way to spot a skimmer.
To see what some skimmers look like check out these examples of card skimmers so you'll have an idea of what to look for.
Most skimming devices are designed to be temporarily affixed to the ATM or gas pump so they can be easily retrieved by the bad guys once they've collected a batch of cardholder data.
If you think the scanning device doesn't look like it matches the machine's color and style, it might be a skimmer.
2. Look at other nearby gas pumps or ATMs card readers to see if they match the one you are using.
Unless skimmers are running a large operation, they probably are only skimming at one gas pump at a time at the station you are using. Look at the pump next to yours to see if the card reader and setup look different. If they do then you might have just spotted a skimmer.
3. Trust your instincts. If in doubt, use another machine somewhere else.
Our brains are excellent at recognizing things that seem out of place. If you get a sense that something looks off about the ATM you are about to use, you might be better off using one that you feel more comfortable with.
4. Avoid using your PIN number at the gas pump.
When you pay at the pump with your debit/atm card, you usually have the option to use it as a credit or a debit card. It's best to choose the credit option that allows you to avoid entering your PIN in sight of a Card Skimmer camera. Even if there is not a card skimmer camera in sight someone could be watching you enter your PIN and could subsequently mug you and take your card to the nearest ATM to withdraw some cash.
When you use it as a atm card you usually only have to enter your billing ZIP code as verification which is much safer than putting in your PIN.
5. Keep an eye on your accounts
If you suspect that you might have had your card skimmed. Keep an eye on your account balance and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Check out About.com's Identity Theft Site for information, tips, and advice on how to keep your identity and atm card information safe
ATM card benefits
2:09 AM |What Are the Benefits of an ATM Card?
Benefits for Consumers
Use an ATM card to keep accurate records of banking transactions. Monthly statements, usually available online or printed and mailed, itemize each transaction made with the card. This benefit leads to fewer accidental overdrafts, and provides a visual record of spending habits, unlike using cash. Transactions are processed quickly with an ATM card. Sliding the card is faster than writing a check, more accurate than paying with cash (since change can be miscounted), and makes some transactions quicker. For example, using an ATM card at a gasoline pump eliminates the hassle of standing in line in a convenience store to complete the sale. After a quick swipe and approval, a receipt is often printed at the gas pump for user convenience. ATM cards are usually free, according to Merchant's State Bank. Unlike checks, many financial institutions do not charge their customers for an ATM card.
Benefits for Businesses
When consumers use ATM cards to pay for purchases, funds are deposited quickly into the business account. In as little as 48 hours, businesses will have access to money from ATM card transactions. Checks can take up to seven days to clear, putting a hold on accessible funds. Business owners pay to offer the convenience of credit card transactions for their customers. For each transaction, a small percentage is paid to the credit card company as a convenience fee. ATM card transactions are a win-win for both the businesses that accept the ATM card and the consumer. When consumers pay retailers with an ATM card, the business owner doesn't have to pay a fee. And, consumers don't have to pay interest or annual fees when using an ATM card, like they would with use of a credit card.
Benefits for Travel
When you're trying to pack light, leave the checkbook and stack of paper money at home. One simple ATM card can pay for purchases with funds directly withdrawn from your checking account. The small card is simple to tuck in a small purse or in a snug pocket. When cash is needed, get a better exchange rate in foreign countries by using an ATM card. Foreign ATM machines offer users access to the wholesale exchange rate, which is often less expensive than paying service fees when exchanging cash or travelers checks in a foreign bank or currency exchange office.
Read more…
Benefits for Consumers
Use an ATM card to keep accurate records of banking transactions. Monthly statements, usually available online or printed and mailed, itemize each transaction made with the card. This benefit leads to fewer accidental overdrafts, and provides a visual record of spending habits, unlike using cash. Transactions are processed quickly with an ATM card. Sliding the card is faster than writing a check, more accurate than paying with cash (since change can be miscounted), and makes some transactions quicker. For example, using an ATM card at a gasoline pump eliminates the hassle of standing in line in a convenience store to complete the sale. After a quick swipe and approval, a receipt is often printed at the gas pump for user convenience. ATM cards are usually free, according to Merchant's State Bank. Unlike checks, many financial institutions do not charge their customers for an ATM card.
Benefits for Businesses
When consumers use ATM cards to pay for purchases, funds are deposited quickly into the business account. In as little as 48 hours, businesses will have access to money from ATM card transactions. Checks can take up to seven days to clear, putting a hold on accessible funds. Business owners pay to offer the convenience of credit card transactions for their customers. For each transaction, a small percentage is paid to the credit card company as a convenience fee. ATM card transactions are a win-win for both the businesses that accept the ATM card and the consumer. When consumers pay retailers with an ATM card, the business owner doesn't have to pay a fee. And, consumers don't have to pay interest or annual fees when using an ATM card, like they would with use of a credit card.
Benefits for Travel
When you're trying to pack light, leave the checkbook and stack of paper money at home. One simple ATM card can pay for purchases with funds directly withdrawn from your checking account. The small card is simple to tuck in a small purse or in a snug pocket. When cash is needed, get a better exchange rate in foreign countries by using an ATM card. Foreign ATM machines offer users access to the wholesale exchange rate, which is often less expensive than paying service fees when exchanging cash or travelers checks in a foreign bank or currency exchange office.
How write a letter to bank manager for lost of ATM card
1:51 AM |
Date 30th Oct 12
To
The Branch Manager
The ICICI Bank
RCA
Udaipur 313001
Sub :- Intimation of lost ATM card and issuing a new one
Sir,
I hereby require to intimate you that I have lost my ATM card in the way back to home last evening there for, I requested your good self to block the ATM card no 78xxxxxxxxxxxx12 in the of Harimohan Meena of Which the saving A/C No. 6939xxxxxxxx (debit card) here by I request you to kindly issue a new ATM card to me at earliest and oblige.
Thanking you in anticipation
Your truly
Harimohan Meena
House. 79
Near water Tank
Udaipur 313002
ATM Card: ATM Based Services
6:53 AM |An ATM Card gives you the flexibility to access your money at any time of the day or night, at hundreds of ATMs across America, in Australia and around the world.
An ATM card (also known as a bank card, client card, key card, or cash card) is a payment card provided by a financial institution to its customers which enables the customer to use an automated teller machine (ATM) for transactions such as: deposits, cash withdrawals, obtaining account information, and other types of banking transactions, often through interbank networks.
An ATM Cards can also be used to access:
• A balance enquiry on your account
• A list of the five most recent transactions on your account (within the same month)
• Information on current foreign exchange rates and interest rates.
Before you leave home, find ATM machine locations in your destination with this handy search engine. You may assume they are everywhere, but in fact, they can be hard to find, especially in developing countries or remote areas. I once drove around a Mexican city for 30 minutes trying to find an ATM machine that worked or wasn't hidden in a closed bank - a list of locations would have been very helpful! You can search by country and city, search for airport ATM's, or use an advanced search to find ATM's that are braille compatible, wheelchair accessible, open 24 hours and have PIN number change capabilities. You can also search by address or intersection.
A search for ATM machines in Sydney, Australia, turned up a list with a clickable map. Handy!
If you don't want to print out the list and/or maps, be sure to jot down the website in your trip journal or keep it in your wallet with your ATM card and check the list at a cyber cafe .
Read more…
An ATM card (also known as a bank card, client card, key card, or cash card) is a payment card provided by a financial institution to its customers which enables the customer to use an automated teller machine (ATM) for transactions such as: deposits, cash withdrawals, obtaining account information, and other types of banking transactions, often through interbank networks.
An ATM Cards can also be used to access:
• A balance enquiry on your account
• A list of the five most recent transactions on your account (within the same month)
• Information on current foreign exchange rates and interest rates.
Before you leave home, find ATM machine locations in your destination with this handy search engine. You may assume they are everywhere, but in fact, they can be hard to find, especially in developing countries or remote areas. I once drove around a Mexican city for 30 minutes trying to find an ATM machine that worked or wasn't hidden in a closed bank - a list of locations would have been very helpful! You can search by country and city, search for airport ATM's, or use an advanced search to find ATM's that are braille compatible, wheelchair accessible, open 24 hours and have PIN number change capabilities. You can also search by address or intersection.
A search for ATM machines in Sydney, Australia, turned up a list with a clickable map. Handy!
If you don't want to print out the list and/or maps, be sure to jot down the website in your trip journal or keep it in your wallet with your ATM card and check the list at a cyber cafe .
