Security News > 2021 > February > Bluetooth Overlay Skimmer That Blocks Chip

As a total sucker for anything skimming-related, I was interested to hear from a reader working security for a retail chain in the United States who recently found Bluetooth-enabled skimming devices placed over top of payment card terminals at several stores.

Interestingly, these skimmers interfered with the terminal's ability to read chip-based cards, forcing customers to swipe the stripe instead. Here's a closer look at the electronic gear jammed into these overlay skimmers.

Newer, chip-based payment cards are more costly and difficult for thieves to clone, but virtually all cards still store card data on a magnetic stripe on the back of the cards - mainly for reasons of backwards compatibility.

This overlay skimmer included a physical component designed to block the payment terminal from reading the chip, forcing the customer to swipe the stripe instead of dip the chip.

I realize a great many people use debit cards for everyday purchases, but I've never been interested in assuming the added risk and pay for everything with cash or a credit card.

Armed with your PIN and debit card data, thieves can clone the card and pull money out of your account at an ATM. Having your checking account emptied of cash while your bank sorts out the situation can be a huge hassle and create secondary problems.

News URL

https://krebsonsecurity.com/2021/02/bluetooth-overlay-skimmer-that-blocks-chip/