When you go grocery shopping or stop for gas, the last thing you’re thinking about is becoming a victim of credit card scams. However, any time you use a credit card terminal, you risk inserting your card into a skimmer. If you’ve been scammed by credit card skimming, it can cause numerous issues on your credit report. Keep reading to learn how a Los Angeles, California unauthorized credit card transaction lawyer can help and how to avoid becoming a victim of scams.
What Is Credit Card Skimming?
Credit card skimming is common for scammers, as it’s a means to steal unsuspecting people’s credit card information.
Credit card skimmers are devices placed over card readers on ATMs as a means to steal the magnetic data of the card. These devices are commonly found on ATM terminals and gas pumps but are also found at self-checkout registers in retail locations. Aside from the device, there are also cameras or fake keypads installed in order to steal PIN codes. While the rise of the chip on many credit cards has made it harder for traditional skimmers to steal information from the magnetic strip, scammers are updating their technology to accommodate these changes.
Once the information is gleaned illegally, the scammers can use the information to make purchases with your information, leaving you liable for making the payments.
What Should I Look Out For?
When you need to insert your physical credit card into a machine, you’ll want to keep an eye out to ensure the credit card reader has not been tampered with. To begin, you should try to use the ATM inside a bank location when possible. Though more convenient outdoor ATMs are more likely to be outfitted with skimmers. Similarly, there may be abnormal bulkiness or movement on the chip reader. If you notice this, do not use the machine.
Similarly, the keypad may be tampered with to steal your PIN information. If the keypad feels abnormal or looks different in color or font, you should avoid using the ATM to protect your details.
Should I Contact an Attorney?
You should contact an attorney as soon as you notice unauthorized charges on your credit card. While some credit card companies will allow you to dispute minor charges, large purchases can pose a significant issue for both consumers and companies alike. Despite protection from the Fair Credit Billing Act that allows you to dispute charges, credit card companies don’t always observe and respect this. In these instances, ensuring you reach out to an attorney with experience in consumer protection is essential.
If you’ve been the victim of credit card skimming, you may not know how to proceed. Los Angeles Legal Solutions is ready to help. We are dedicated to ensuring you shouldn’t have to pay for purchases you did not make. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
