SKIM SCAN

INTRODUCTION

Skim Scan is a handheld tester that instantly detects magnetic card skimmers hidden inside ATMs, fuel station pumps, retail point-of-sale terminals and any kiosk that accepts cards by dipping them in and pulling them back out. Skim Scan requires no hardware or software modifications to any card reader.

OPERATION

Skim Scan does not work with sliding card scanners. Since a hidden skimmer essentially functions as a second magnetic card reader that simply reads and stores card data, it is detected by Skim Scan in this manner...if Skim Scan detects only a single magnetic head (no skimmer installed), there will be no hidden skimmer alert and the green LED will light up. If Skim Scan detects two magnetic heads (legitimate card reader + hidden skimmer), Skim Scan will alert the user with an audible beep and a visible red LED on the unit.

When checking a card reader for a skimmer using Skim Scan, prior to dipping Skim Scan into reader, begin (STEP 1) by pushing the button (this functions as a power/reset switch for the unit and only lasts a few seconds) on the unit and notice the blue LED turning on. Dip (STEP 2) Skim Scan into the slot of the card reader. The unit will immediately indicate whether there is no skimmer detected (green LED) or whether a skimmer is detected (red LED and an audible beep). Before you remove the Skim Scan from the slot, verify the first scan by pressing the button again (STEP 3) and then remove the unit (STEP 4). Skim Scan should provide the same results as it did when you inserted it. If it does not, continue to repeat these steps until dipping unit in and out yields the same results in order to verify the presence, or lack thereof, a hidden skimmer. If at any point during this procedure the red LED turns on, further investigation is always recommended.