Becarefull with your ATM

"Skimming is only a term, basically it means copying the data of a magnetic card illegally," stated Ruby when contacted Wednesday evening.

However he said that to crack into an account, a perpetrator also needs to know the PIN. In his act, a perpetrator would need a magnetic card reader device.
It's a simple device that can be disassembled for portability, and sold freely in the market. Usually the device is modified in such a way that it would be undetectable by the customer when placed on an ATMs card slot .

"It would read the data of the magnetic ATM card that goes through it. The data is recorded in its memory."

The record would be used to copy or clone the ATM card. Aside from this device, the perpetrator would also install a camera to peek at the customer's PIN.
The camera is tiny, it's called a pin hole spycam. Again this device is sold freely in the market. "Because its (the camera's) shape is thin it can be attached on the ATM, directed at the keypad to enter PINs."

The recording time of the camera can be sychronized with the magnetic card reader's time. Next, with a magnetic card writer, the ATM card can be cloned by copying the data into a blank card.
"It's a fast, instant process that can be done on the spot."

The card can even be cloned to any number desired. Once a card has been skimmed, the account can be cracked by multiple perpetrators.

According to Ruby, this crime is not a new kind. Considering that all of the required devices are sold freely, whether legally or illegally. Magnetic card reader, spycam, and magnetic card writer, all of which can be bought separately or in one set specifically sold for malicious purposes.

"An ATM skimmer set can be bought online for about 1,600 US dollars. One could order now, and wait for the goods to come in a few days." This means anyone can perform this crime. "It doesn't have to be a hacker. Anyone with an evil intent can do it."
The precautions

Although there's no absolute solution at least Ruby suggests that the following precautions. Before you insert your card, pay attention to the slot.
A reader device is only made of gypsum so it's often cracked and there's no way to attach it firmly to the ATM's card slot, sometimes it's only taped or glued to the slot. Try shaking the slot a bit hard.
If the slot comes off, then it's a reader device. Another tell-tale is that the color of the device is often similar but a little off compared with the rest of the ATM.
Next watch out for the tiny camera. It might be attached somewhere on the ATM or among a pile of leaflets beside the ATM.
Anything that points to the keypad should be checked first. Naturally, it's safer to go to ATMs protected by security guards and to avoid the old models, especially those in open places.
(WAH/C17-09)/kompas.com