What are effective protection strategies against credit card shimming?

Regularly monitoring bank statements is an effective protection strategy against credit card shimming because it allows consumers to promptly identify unauthorized transactions or suspicious activities on their accounts. By frequently reviewing bank statements, individuals can quickly spot discrepancies and take immediate action, such as reporting fraudulent transactions to their bank or credit card issuer. This vigilance helps mitigate the impact of any unauthorized access to their financial information.

In contrast, using unfamiliar ATMs could expose consumers to higher risks, as some ATM machines may be equipped with shimming devices without the user’s knowledge. Using debit cards exclusively does not inherently reduce the risk associated with shimming, as these cards can also be compromised. Sharing card details over the phone is generally considered unsafe and can lead to fraud if the recipient is not trustworthy. In summary, actively monitoring bank statements is crucial for maintaining financial security and spotting potential issues early.