Supermarket Self-Checkout: Not Immune to Skimming Scams

You probably already know to be careful where you put your debit or credit card. ATMs and pay-at-the-pump machines sometimes have devices attached that 'skim' your card information and pass it along to thieves.

Now you may want to take a second look at the self-checkout terminal at your grocery store. 20 stores in California found card skimming devices, although nobody yet knows if thieves retrieved any sensitive information.

A general rule is that well-lit areas with lots of traffic are the safest places to use your card -- because it's harder to install a skimmer there. However, supermarkets generally fit that description so you might just make it a habit to review any machine you run your card through. [via MyBankTracker]

Further reading:

• 5 Ways to Avoid Bouncing a Check