If you are like most Americans you probably use an automatic teller machine (ATM) or your debit card quite often. Credit Counselors warn that there are many ways that thieves can steal cash or your personal information from you and now they are doing it directly at the ATM machine.

You may know that if a thief gets a hold of your PIN number they may be able to empty your bank account. But did you know that they can get it by tampering with the ATM machine itself? They are doing it with a device called a skimmer, which reads all the private information about your account that is stored in your card’s magnetic strip. Not only can the thief obtain your account information, they may be able to obtain your pin with some devices. Once the thief has this information, they can either produce a “clone card” or shop online until your account is run completely dry.

The skimmer device is usually attached to a legitimate ATM and the thief usually records the PIN number at the time of the transaction by using a secret camera or a keypad overlay that is touch-sensitive and placed over the actual keyboard. In some cases, the ATM itself may be a fake device placed by the thief. These are usually placed in out-of-the way locations or by a real ATM that the thief has placed an out-of-order sign on.

Credit counselors advise that when using the ATM, keep the following in mind:
• Use a familiar ATM, or one that is attached to your bank. Avoid using it around suspicious people.
• Check the card slot for signs of tampering. Don’t use it if the slot jiggles or anything else looks suspicious.
• If you see suspicious looking cameras, don’t use the ATM.
• Don’t use an ATM that has a sign attached to it.
• Use a well lit and familiar ATM at night.