Using your credit card at a gas station pump or drive-up ATM is quick and convenient. However, despite retailers following the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, or PCI DSS, to protect your information, cybercriminals are finding ways to steal your information. Cybercriminals are using technology called “card skimmers” to read and record your card information in seconds. Although retailers regularly check for card skimmers, learning how to protect yourself at gas station pumps and ATMs should be a priority now more than ever.

How Do Card Skimmers Work?

Card skimmers are physical devices that cybercriminals attach to the credit card reader of an ATM or gas pump. The card skimmer then reads the magnetic strip on the card to gather your full name, the card number, and the expiration date. Once the skimmer reads your card information, the cybercriminals can sell your information or use it to gain access to your bank account. These skimmers are designed to fit tightly over the real card reader at the gas station and ATM, making them undetectable if you don’t know what to look for.

How To Avoid Card Skimmers

To protect yourself against card skimmers, follow these helpful tips:

• Shake and pull the card reader. If the card reader is loose or looks tampered with, go inside the bank or gas station and report it.
• Go inside. Going inside the gas station or the bank will reduce the risk of encountering a card skimmer since the card readers inside are less likely to be tampered with. If you are making a payment, consider paying with cash while inside to completely eliminate skimmer risk.
• Use Google or Apple Pay if those payments are available, so you can avoid using your physical card entirely. These mobile payment options are more secure and convenient.
• Tap to pay. Most modern gas pumps, credit, and debit cards come equipped with tap-to-pay technology which allows you to pay securely and avoid a possible skimming device.

Stay Alert

• Sign up for transaction alerts. Set up account or card alerts through your online or mobile banking to get notified of any unusual activity.
• Monitor your accounts regularly. Review your transactions often — early detection is key to minimizing damage.

Think You’ve Been Skimmed?

If you think a skimmer may have compromised your card, we recommend you:

1. Freeze your card through the bank app to prevent further unauthorized use.
2. Cancel and replace your card immediately. 

   How to replace your Wolf River Community Bank card: 
   During bank hours: Call Wolf River Community Bank at 920-779-7000.
   Saturdays and after business hours:

   • • Debit: call the Wolf Line at 833-423-0341, option #4
     • Credit: call Elan at 1-800-558-3424 (Elan is a national agency that provides credit card services.)
        
3. Review recent transactions to identify any fraudulent charges.
4. Report fraudulent claims immediately to us as there is a window of time to report.

We Are Here to Help

Your security is our priority — and we’re always here to help protect your finances and peace of mind. Our team can help you secure your accounts and guide you on next steps. Contact us today.