Worried about ATM skimming? Here's what the FBI recommends

The announcement that an ATM skimmer was discovered on a terminal in Decorah earlier this month has led several decorahnews.com readers to e-mail questions about safely using an ATM and preventing having information stolen by a skimmer.

The FBI has several tips for how people should use an ATM or POS terminal.  "Inspect ATMs, POS terminals, and other card readers before using (and) look for anything loose,crooked, damaged, or scratched.

Put your hands over the keypad when you enter your PIN to prevent cameras from recording your entry. Use ATMs in a well-lit, indoor location, which are less vulnerable targets.  Be alert for skimming devices in tourist areas, which are popular targets.

Use debit and credit cards with chip technology. In the U.S., there are fewer devices that steal chip data versus magnetic strip data.

Contact your financial institution if the ATM doesn't return your card after you end or cancel a transaction.

Fuel pump skimmers are usually attached in the internal wiring of the machine and aren't visible to the customer.  Run your debit card as a credit card. If that's not an option, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN.  Consider paying inside with the attendant, not outside at the pump.  Choose a fuel pump that is closer to the store and in direct view of the attendant. These pumps are less likely to be targets for skimmers."