How to protect yourself from rising credit card skimming in San Diego County [Video]

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — The U.S. Secret Service and local law enforcement are cracking down on card skimmers and EBT fraud. The agencies found 21 skimming devices during a joint operation in San Diego County last week.

They visited more than 150 businesses across the county inspecting ATMs and gas pumps. They found 21 illegal skimming devices preventing an estimated $63 million in potential financial losses.

Officials have several recommendations to protect yourself. Look over card readers for anything unusual. Hide your PIN by covering the keypad with your hand. Reconsider how you pay. It’s best to use your debit card as credit to protect your PIN. Tap-to-pay or use your card’s chip instead of the magnetic strip to reduce risk. Use extra caution in tourist locations where scams tend to be more …