The Tiny Device Fueling a Multi-Million-Dollar Crime Wave

Every day, millions of Americans swipe, tap, and insert their debit and credit cards without giving it a second thought. But hidden inside gas pumps, ATMs, and self-checkout machines, criminals are installing tiny devices known as credit card skimmers—and they're making millions of dollars in the process.

By David Johnston

Reporting from Austin, Texas, USA

June 13, 2026     Updated 8:10 p.m. ET

A skimmer is a small electronic device designed to secretly capture information stored on a card's magnetic stripe. In many cases, criminals pair the skimmer with hidden cameras or fake keypads to steal PIN numbers. Once the information is collected, fraudsters create counterfeit cards or sell the stolen data on underground cybercrime forums.

Law enforcement agencies estimate that skimming costs consumers and financial institutions billions of dollars annually. Organized criminal groups often install skimmers on dozens of machines at once, collecting thousands of card numbers before the devices are discovered. A single successful operation can generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent purchases and cash withdrawals.

Gas stations remain one of the most common targets. Criminals often use master keys purchased online or stolen from manufacturers to gain access to fuel pumps. ATMs, especially those in convenience stores or isolated locations, are also frequent targets.

Consumers can protect themselves by taking a few simple precautions. Before inserting a card, inspect the card reader. If it appears loose, bulky, crooked, or different from neighboring machines, avoid using it. Gently tug on the card slot and keypad—many skimmers are attached over legitimate equipment and may move slightly.

Whenever possible, use contactless "tap-to-pay" technology, which is significantly harder for skimmers to compromise. Monitoring bank accounts regularly and enabling transaction alerts can also help detect fraud quickly.

Experts recommend using credit cards rather than debit cards whenever possible. Credit card fraud protections are often stronger, and fraudulent charges generally don't immediately drain money from a consumer's bank account.

The next time you stop for gas or use an ATM, take a closer look. That extra five seconds could save you thousands of dollars—and keep your personal information out of a criminal's hands.