Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are a convenient way to access your funds using your debit card. That convenience also appeals to crooks. For that reason, it’s important to learn how to access your funds safely and protect them from being accessible by others.

Every year, thieves steal millions of dollars from consumers by “skimming” their personal account information. Skimming involves a thief installing a magnetic card reader, or skimmer, over the actual card reader at an ATM or gas pump. When you swipe your card, the skimming device steals the information from the magnetic strip and transmits it to a remote computer.

Some skimming devices have cameras and overlay touchpads to capture your PIN. Other devices, called “shimmers,” are as thin as paper and can be inserted into the card slot to clone the magnetic strip. Not surprisingly, the technology keeps evolving and it’s difficult for law enforcement to stay ahead of it.

To avoid becoming a victim of ATM theft, follow these tips:

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Madison County Federal Credit Union received approval from the National Credit Union Association to expand its community charter to three additional counties – Delaware, Henry and Hancock. This expansion, effective immediately, opens membership and full credit union services to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in any one of the credit union’s new 4-county service area, their immediate family members as well as businesses and organizations.

“We are very excited to grow and to serve even more people in our local communities,” said David Dodd, CEO of MCFCU. “We are community-focused, member-owned, and committed to providing exceptional financial services and support.”

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