Last Updated on March 28, 2021
3- Pay terminals and outdoor ATMS
We know that ATMs are extremely necessary and without them, we would basically have no money, but just make sure to use the ones that are out in the open, like in the corner store or sidewalks. In case you need to use, cover the PIN pad as you are writing down your information because you never know; there could be a camera installed nearby or someone lurking behind you.
Also, the pay terminals like fast-food drive-throughs are where criminals could install their hidden skimmer devices. It is the places we don’t expect to be dangerous are the ones we should be extremely careful from.
4- Mobile or Desktop applications
Applications and pop-ups on both your smartphone and computer are the easiest places to scam you. You need to make sure to never give your credit card info outside the app store or the official program.
For example, we all receive things like ‘You have a virus, pay $10’ or ‘unlock your encrypted files for $5’, etc. These are the ones we should ignore the most because no, you don’t have a virus and your files are completely fine.
Anything that pops up suddenly and out of nowhere should never be trusted, regardless of what they say or how to believe they might seem. If the website or the app is not trusted enough, just avoid it completely.
5- Cell phone charging stations
Having a dead battery when we need our phones the most is basically what we deal with almost every day, but at the airports, when you swipe your card in order to have access to the free charging stations is where you would be putting your information in danger.
These kiosks are known to be ripe for skimming and nefarious card-information storage. They also have been known to steal information from your smartphone as it charges. They call it juice packing. So if your phone died, try to be patient till you find a trusted place where you can charge your phone peacefully and without any worries.