Everybody appears to be happy the way the ATMs of the banks are spreading. The consumer is happy that the convenience of banking through ATM is now available almost next door. The banks are happy that they are now able to do away with congestion and crowding at bank premises. The technology firms and manufacturers are happy that they now have an opportunity to spread their wings and improve their bottom lines. Even hackers and identity thieves are not lagging behind. More than ever before they are making hay by skimming and stealing your PIN and account number using remote devices. The technique of stealing your money by using sophisticated technology is becoming a high-tech art that's hard to detect.

That's bad news for consumers. Experts say that losses from skimming are approaching $1 billion. Nearly one in five fraud victims reported having their credit card PIN or debit card ATM PIN information stolen in 2009, according to some experts. Unfortunately there is not much awareness about ATM tampering amongst the consumers. Skimming isn't though new. It has been around for quite some time though technology being used by fraudsters is getting better and better every year. It is up to consumers now to improve their awareness and watch their own interests.

According to experts, the ATM thieves use two devices to capture your PIN and card data. One device sits near where you swipe your card and reads the magnetic stripe on your card with your account number. Even more confusing, the device mimics the card slot. "The technology has evolved to a point where the molded plastic fits like it belongs there," Devices are even readily available over the Internet for as little as $300.

A camera, hidden from view, captures the PIN. "You can get the data in real time. You can be in your car with a laptop remotely accessing the device."

Thieves then burn the data onto a blank card to access your money.

And let us therefore not take bank security for granted. Fraud can occur at any bank in any part of the country. Thieves are even sending out false text alerts to get consumer data. If you get such an E-mail, act with caution.

Though many such instances of frauds and stealing keep on coming to the Banks’ notice, they are slow to adopt anti-skimming and anti-theft measures as these measures are costly and deploy sophisticated technology. Debit card users are most at risk especially because debit cards are now being increasingly used for merchant transactions at various outlets and for paying utility bills. But do not despair. Here are some tips to help you protect your account.

1. Cover your password with your hand while making a transaction.

Hidden cameras are disguised so they can pick up your password. By protecting it, ATM thieves can not access your account.

2. Use familiar ATMs and limit your visits.

ATMs in dimly lighted spots or used late at night could be more susceptible to fraud, while ATMs of reputed banks and institutions under video surveillance can be safer. As far as possible, stay away from ATMs at retail stores or restaurants. Recently, skimming devices were found on ATMs in a popular grocery store in central Florida in USA. Airports, convenience stores or kiosks are equally vulnerable to ATM thieves. Still, even highly trafficked ATMs outside a bank branch have been targeted by thieves. Also, try to limit your visits to the ATM.

3. Check bank balances frequently.

Banks normally allow two days for reporting fraud. You should therefore check your account frequently. In any case, in USA, if you don't report fraud within 60 days, you have unlimited liability. Position in other countries may be even worse. Banks also have a provision for alerts and notifying unusual withdrawals. You should not hesitate for signing such facility even if it amounts to some additional expense. In the case of credit cards there are more protections in place, and you can dispute charges.

4. Observe the ATM

Consumers should also look at an ATM to make sure a card slot is "legitimate and not tacked on." Look for things that strike you. “Some people have felt that when they inserted their card, something went awry." In that case, try another ATM.
When protecting your account against ATM thieves, "it's all about awareness, paying attention and understanding risks," says an Expert. "There are 400,000 ATMs in USA alone and every one of them is susceptible to fraud. The speed and convenience of technology has replaced the security of technology."

5. Always put your signature on the signature panel of your card as soon as you receive it, which is also one of the terms and conditions of a card’s use. This may help prevent its misuse in case it falls into the hands of some miscreant. Otherwise you may be held liable for all the transactions done by that person.

6. Never write your personal identification number (PIN) on your card. Instead memorize it or keep the number separately from your card. Also, you must keep your PIN secure and must not disclose it to anyone. Keep changing your PIN and access passwords frequently to avoid frauds and misuse. Do not use an obvious password like your birth date or that of your wife’s or your anniversary.

7. Before shopping online, make certain that the internet shopping sites are secure. For this you should check out the encryption software it uses.

8. Do not give any information to persons seeking debit card information over phone unless you are satisfied about the identity of the person. You should know that banks and other legitimate businesses never ask for passwords, account numbers or updated information via email or over phone.

9. Be vigilant while shopping. Check that the merchant swiping your card does not swipe multiple times. If you are suspicious, you can always alert your issuing bank. After making a purchase, also make sure the card returned to you is yours.

10. Exercise caution at the ATM and ensure that you are alone when you are entering your secret PIN.