Federal investigators say a major multi-state skim scam stealing thousands from people on the South Shore was shut down.
“Once you slide the card through it skims the information off the magnetic strip. As long as our cards have a magnetic stripe, they can still be skimmed and can still be used fraudulently,” said Hotspot Shield security expert Robert Siciliano.
A federal indictment unsealed last week indicted 14 people, part of the “Hornea crew” for using skimming devices at ATMs in Quincy, Braintree, Weymouth and Hanover.
A small camera to record your pin usually accompanies the skimmer. Both are difficult to detect, so how do you protect yourself?
“The best advice I have is to cover up the keypad with your other hand as you’re punching in the key code,” said Siciliano.
Valentine Igbobi has never been a victim, but he agrees.
“Of course, you have to try to find a way to protect yourself,” said Igbobi.
Short of covering the pin pad, Siciliano says be vigilant! Check your accounts and sign up for email or text alerts.
“So every single time there’s a transaction, you get an email or text message alerting you to that fact,” said Siciliano.
And if it’s not yours, call the bank immediately!
“If you’re not paying attention, chances are the bank is not either and the bad guys will get away with your money,” said Siciliano.
Cox Media Group