PIN pad and ATM tampering

Photo of pad lock and keys on top of credit cards to illustrate the message of keeping your credit cards safe

What is PIN pad tampering?  

It involves swapping legitimate PIN (personal identification number) pads or card readers with bogus readers. Information is collected and stored on the bogus reader and transmitted to criminals.

Prevention tips for merchants:

How to identify a compromised PIN pad:

If an altered PIN pad is discovered:

What is ATM skimming?

ATM (automated teller machine) skimming is a two-part process designed to illegally obtain your credit or debit card number and your PIN.

Firstly, it involves the installation of a skimming device to an ATM. A skimming device works by reading the debit or credit card number during an ATM transaction. These skimming devices are typically installed into or over the card slot.

Secondly, a small wireless camera is installed near the PIN pad of the ATM, such as in a pamphlet holder. The camera inside captures your PIN when you enter it to the ATM.

ATM skimming prevention tips:

For more information on fraud prevention, go to Fraud and scams.

For more information on how to report fraud, go to Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Date modified: