Those who feel at ease punching in their pin at the checkout counter have a whole new reason to cover up their number. Turns out crooks are now using tiny cameras to steal pin numbers from unsuspecting shoppers and clean out their bank accounts. Last month, hackers hit 80 Michael’s stores in 20 different states and it appears that the thieves used pinhole cameras hidden near checkout counters to help in their efforts. These pinhole cameras are not new, but they are cheap. Spy cameras can be purchased for as little as $20 and they come in a variety of different sizes which makes them hard to spot.
How can you protect yourself? Well, first of all you can use your free hand to cover the keyboard to punch in your pin number or move the keypad to disrupt any line of sight the camera might have. It also helps to use credit cards instead of debit cards or use your debit card like a credit card so you never have to punch in your pin. These simple steps could protect your information and can save you from a terrible headache down the line.
Wondering where you are most likely to get your information stolen? Well according to ABC 15, gas stations are particularly prone to attack because thieves can get at the machines more easily without anyone noticing.
As always, stay tuned to Credit Cards Professor for more credit card news and updates.
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