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COLUMBUS, OH -- Attorney General Mike DeWine wants Ohio’s consumers to be aware of the potential of “skimming” scams that put peoples’ credit and debit card information at risk.

Skimming scams are the theft of debit or credit cards and account information stored on the card’s magnetic strip.

The skimming devices are often camouflaged to fit gas pumps and ATMs and may be equipped with hidden cameras that record the victim’s PIN. Once they acquire the account information, they can use it to make unauthorized purchases online.

Attorney General DeWine recommends the following tips:

• Closely monitor bank statements and track debits closely. Watch for any unauthorized withdrawals or suspicious activity. Also watch your credit card statements for signs of skimming.
• Use one particular ATM and one particular gas pump. It will be easier to track which machine has the skimmer if you are scammed. Try to use an ATM in a very open and public space or inside a bank lobby.
• When using your bank card, choose the credit card option instead of the debit card option. It will be more difficult for scammers to make unauthorized purchases without your PIN.

If you suspect you are the victim of skimming, notify your bank and contact local law enforcement immediately.

To report a scam to the attorney general’s office, go to www.ohioattorneygeneral.com or call 1-800-282-0515.

Have you had your debit or credit card information stolen by one of these hidden scanners? If so, do you know where and when it happened?