Skimming

Skimming is the theft of card details at the point where you pay. The classic method fits a hidden device to a cash machine or shop card reader that copies the data from your card's magnetic stripe, often paired with a tiny camera or a fake keypad overlay to capture your PIN. The stolen details are then used to make counterfeit cards or fraudulent purchases.

An online cousin, sometimes called e-skimming or formjacking, plants malicious code on a checkout page to lift card numbers as you type them into a real shop. Physical skimming is quietest because your genuine card and PIN still work, so nothing seems wrong until unfamiliar charges appear. Sensible habits reduce the risk: shield the keypad as you enter your PIN, give card readers and cash machines a quick tug and glance for anything loose or ill-fitting, favour contactless or mobile-wallet payments that do not expose your card number, and check statements often so stray transactions surface early. Paying by card at least means a fraudulent charge can be challenged through chargeback; acting quickly is what limits the loss.