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Wiggling your card can protect you from ATM skimmers

<p>As scammers become increasingly sophisticated, a technology expert has outlined an odd but effective way to protect your money when withdrawing from an ATM.</p> <p>In a report from <a href="http://au.pcmag.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>PC magazine</strong></em></span></a>, Kaspersky Lab security researcher Stefan Tanase suggested the best way to protect yourself from card skimmer’s who grab data off your card’s magnetic strip, is by wiggling it as you insert it into the ATM.</p> <p>Tanase says wiggling your card as you insert it into the reader prevents the skimmer from being able to read the card’s data correctly, which can potentially save you a bundle.</p> <p>Tanase also suggests wiggling the whole machine (ever-so-slightly) to see if you can discern any signs of tampering or foul play before you make an initial withdrawal.</p> <p>Tanase adds, “If you don't notice a card skimmer and your card data does get stolen, take heart. As long as you report the theft to your card issuer (for credit cards) or bank (where you have your account) as soon as possible, you will not be held liable for the lost amount and your money will be returned. Business customers, on the other hand, don't have the same legal protection and may have a harder time getting the money back.</p> <p>“Just remember: If something doesn't feel right about an ATM, don't use it.”</p> <p>Have you ever fallen foul of card skimmers?</p>

Money & Banking