What To Do If You Think Your Card Was Skimmed
Even with good habits, you might still get hit. What you do in the first hours and days afterward can limit the damage.
1. Act Fast If Something Feels Off
If you suspect a machine was compromised — maybe the keypad felt loose, or the card slot looked wrong — or if you notice suspicious charges on your account, treat it as a real threat, not a “maybe later” problem.
- Stop using that card immediately.
- Note the time and location of the transaction if you can.
2. Contact the Merchant or Location
If you used an ATM, gas pump, or POS terminal that seemed suspicious, alert the business right away:
- Tell them exactly which machine you used and why you’re concerned.
- Ask if they can shut it down and inspect it.
This not only helps you, but also protects other customers who might use the same device after you.
3. Call Your Bank or Card Issuer
Next, contact the financial institution that issued your card — credit card company or bank — and let them know what happened:
- Report that you suspect your card may have been skimmed.
- Review recent transactions for anything you don’t recognize.
- Request that they cancel the card and issue a new one if needed.
According to Paige Hanson, you typically have 60 days to report fraudulent activity to your financial institution, but sooner is always better. The faster you report, the easier it is to reverse charges and lock down your account.
4. Consider Additional Protective Steps
- Freeze your credit: If you’re worried your personal information may be floating around, freezing your credit with the major bureaus prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.
- File a police report: This can help document the incident, especially if large sums are involved or if your bank requests it.
- Update your passwords and PINs: If you used the same PIN in multiple places, or if your online banking password is weak or reused, now is the time to change it.
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