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Self Checkout Terminals Latest Target For Card Skimmers

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Self-checkout terminals in retail stores are the latest target for criminals that use tiny devices called skimmers to steal credit card information.

ATM skimming has increased 546% from 2014 to 2015 with criminals now turning to self-check-out terminals to steal consumer data.

Michael Seremetis is with the secret service and warns of the growing crime.

"They download the information and put it on a duplicate card. They're able to use it for any type of fraudulent purchases," said Seremetis.

Matt Bretzius used an ATM inside an Atlantic City casino. The next morning his bank told him his card was being used to shop in Canada.

"It doesn't feel like it should be my responsibility to have to always test the security of like where I'm taking my money from," said Bretzius.

With the rollout of chip-enabled credit cards, skimming rates are expected to decline but as much as 30 percent of credit cardholders have cards that don't have chips and only about 20 percent of card terminals are compatible.

How can you protect yourself? Experts say cover the keypad when you enter your pin code because sometimes the thieves will be using micro cameras to capture that information.

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