Scam Alert! Watch Out for the "Skimmers"
Here's yet another scam to watch out for when using your ATM or ATM/Check card. According to Card Alert Services, Inc., cardholders in the Chicago area recently fell victim to a "skimming" scam. Skimming is the practice of stealing ATM, ATM/Check and credit card account numbers off the card's magnetic strip by swiping it through a portable skimming device.
Typically this crime is committed at Point of Sale locations, such as restaurants or retail stores. Once the thief has your account number, he or she can go on a spending spree at your expense. In the Chicago case, small skimming devices were placed on the faces of ATMs. A note attached nearby instructed cardholders to swipe cards through the additional reader for "security purposes" before conducting their transactions. Investigators noted that the thieves had secured the devices with hook and loop tape so that they could be quickly removed.
If you discover you have been the victim of this kind of crime or any unauthorized use of your account numbers, please notify the VSECU as soon as possible, as prompt action will minimize your personal financial loss. For further information on unauthorized transfers and liability, please refer to
Electronic Fund Transfers - Your Rights & Responsibilities or contact a Member Service Consultant at 802/800 371-5162.
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