What Is a Payment Card Skimmer?

 By Charles Joseph | Cybersecurity Advocate

 Last update: November 25, 2023

A payment card skimmer is a device that can be attached to a point-of-sale terminal to steal credit and debit card information. The skimmer reads the magnetic stripe on the card and transmits the data to the criminal, who can then use it to create counterfeit cards.

Key Points

• Payment card skimmers are devices that can be used to illegally collect credit and debit card information.
• Skimmers can be placed on ATMs, gas pumps, and other machines that accept cards.
• Skimmers often go undetected, as they can be small and well-hidden.
• If your card information is skimmed, it could be used to make fraudulent purchases or withdrawals.