FLORIDA — Cybersecurity researchers have come up with a pocket-sized solution for a massive problem that costs us billions of dollars each year – skimmers.
There are some things you can look out for at an ATM or gas pump. For example, gas pumps have security stickers. You can also get down and examine the card reader, maybe give it a wiggle to see if its loose but researchers said scammers are constantly evolving and those methods aren’t foolproof.
In Florida, inspectors are on pace to find 1,100 credit card skimmers on gas pumps for 2018. Last year, it was under 700.
But some law enforcement agencies are already using a new device called a “skim reaper” that could be a game changer for consumer safety.
“We decided it needed a name more to commensurate with the fear it should put into these bad guys,” said doctoral researcher Nolan Scaife.
It’s targeting “bad guys” who steal from people by installing credit card skimmers on everything from gas pumps and ATMs, to the checkout aisle at your favorite stores.
“I know that a lot of people scam and get card info and I really don't want that,” said driver Lyndsey Leake.
University of Florida Associate Professor Dr. Patrick Traynor and his team of research students spent several years using feedback from law enforcement to create a tool to protect your wallet.
“There is an arms race going on and bad guys are becoming more sophisticated in the ways they are hiding their devices,” Traynor said.
Card readers contain "read heads” or metal points that "read" the data from your credit card's magnetic stripe.
Skimmers also contain “read heads” that work the exact same way.
With a simple swipe or dip, the "Skim Reaper" is able to detect when a machine has more “read heads” than it should have and puts out an instant alert that a skimmer might be installed.
Driver Megan Massion thinks the "Skim Reaper" would be a great investment for retailers.
“I think it would be a great idea for a business to buy it so they can check throughout the day and make sure no one’s info, cards are being compromised,” Massion said.
Traynor wants to get the “Skim Reaper” to everyone – consumers, merchants, banks, state inspectors and law enforcement.
“The goal is all in one, easy to carry, something you just intuitively use every time you go to pump, ATM or restaurant or big box store,” Traynor said.
Traynor said Alachua County deputies in Florida and the NYPD in Manhattan have been testing out the "Skim Reaper" for the last few months. Traynor said the device helped NYPD officers find a skimmer in an ATM.
So what's next?
Making the entire device sleeker, around the size of a credit card.
“That's the end goal, to make this portable as possible,” said doctoral researcher Christian Peeters.
“I’ve already started to work on the production of that and that model is on its way.”
And getting the "Skim Reaper" manufactured in hopes of putting skimming scammers out of business.
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“As soon as someone sees this report they are going to be working on a way to get around it,” said doctoral researcher Nolan Scaife.
When asked if “bad buys” would be able to get around the new tech, Scaife said he doesn’t think they will.
Patent pending, “Skim Reaper” doesn't read data from cards, only checks for “read heads.”
Researchers say Bluetooth apps don't work.
There are some things you can look out for at an ATM or gas pump.
For example, gas pumps have security stickers. You can also get down and examine the card reader, maybe give it a wiggle to see if its loose but researchers said scammers are constantly evolving and those methods aren’t foolproof.
Cox Media Group
