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Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are a popular target of criminals. Common methods used to exploit these devices are electronic “skimmers” and video cameras.

In addition to ATMs are terminal devices designed to use credit and debit cards, such as those used at gas pumps at service stations and convenience stores.

These devices are designed to use two factor authentication — a debit or credit card (something the user has) and a PIN (something the user knows). Despite this design, many people do not protect themselves when using these devices because they fail to cover the keypad while typing the PIN. Do not be embarrassed to use a hand, hat, or other object to obstruct the view of the keypad. The view should be obstructed between the keypad and card reader as well as any possible nearby video cameras.

For more information about skimmers:

All About Skimmers

How Credit Card Skimmers Work, and How to Spot Them

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Backwoods Geek

Backwoods Geek wrote his first computer program in 1977. He started using desktop computers in 1982 to write training and job aids. These days his home includes routers, switches, computers, a home theater PC, a laptop, and bluetooth phones. His professional career includes instrumentation and controls, computers, industrial training, technical writing, and teaching computer classes. Pastimes include sitting on the front porch, observing wildlife, cutting firewood, reading, watching movies, and tinkering with computers. He is uncomfortable around morning people until afternoon, likes dry and off-the-wall humor, and usually tells jokes with a straight face. He is a believer in the old adage that, "No matter where you go, there you are."

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