A credit card skimmer is a device that is attached to an actual card reader by a threat actor. Skimmers are commonly used by cybercriminals at non-bank ATMs and at gas station fuel pumps. Most skimmers installed at fuel pumps are placed outside of the view of the station administrator. Threat actors use skimmers to scan the information on a victim’s debit or credit card so they can commit credit card fraud or create counterfeit cards to sell on the dark web.
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Tech scams are continuing to grow in scale and damage. According to CBS News, Americans have reported over $2.7 billion in losses to tech scams from social media alone. Further losses are being accrued through other sources, too, of course; but with that figure coming from one source, alone, the scale of the problem is laid out quite clearly. As more of the nation moves to a digital-first footing, these attacks are only likely to increase in volume, and scale, too.
Roughly 20 percent of all retail sales occur online. This statistic may sound lukewarm now, but e-commerce is rapidly becoming the lion’s share of global transactions. However, the model’s incredible growth also provides criminals ample opportunity to steal from online businesses. The absence of a physical location removes much of the criminal’s risk, and new strategies constantly pop up. A robust fraud prevention strategy should cover the majority of business operations.
Embezzlement is an internal crime that someone commits against their organization. The perpetrator's inside knowledge helps them avoid detection and clean up the evidence. It's a problem that can spiral out of control and cause massive damage to an organization's public face. Identifying the warning signs of embezzlement and acting quickly is essential to preventing the worst-case scenario.