Your ATM machine is supposed to be a convenient way for you to withdrawal money from your bank. However, identity thieves are using ATM machines as a convenient way to steal from consumers.

ID thieves now use “skimming” devices to access credit and debit card information through ATM Machines. Here’s how it works: A handheld magnetic-card reader is inserted in an ATM machine. Once you put your card into the machine, your data is then transferred to other magnetic strips to make counterfeit credit cards, according to Consumer Reports.

There are close to 3 millions victims of skimming, reports Bankrate.com. And the average cost to the consumer is about $900.What’s more, skimming shows no signs of slowing down. Bankrate.com continues to report that skimming has cost $2.75 billion in ATM/debit card fraud losses over a 12-month period. And it seems the crime is expanding to gas pumps, restaurants and retailers, where some unscrupulous workers will attach skimming devices to credit card machines in these businesses.

Skimming devices are hard to spot, so how do you know if your ATM has been tampered with? There are subtle things you need to look out for. For instance, if you have difficulty getting your card into the ATM, then it may be possible a skimming device is attached.

If you find that you are the victime of skimming, use CreditCard.com’s tips to help you stop the thief in their tracks:

• Call the police. Make a police report and hang on to the police report number.
  
• Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately and tell them your card number was stolen. If you don't make a report quickly, you may be liable for some or all of the unauthorized charges.
  
• If you report swiftly, federal law caps your liability at $50. Most credit/debit cards voluntarily go further, and won't charge you at all -- again, if you report quickly. If you notify your bank quickly, they'll return the money. Don't get hung up about the fact that someone might drain your bank account. The most you will probably spend on it is wasted time and lots of aggravation, since it can be a long process to get everything worked out.
  
• Contact the three major credit bureaus -- TransUnion, Equifax and Experian -- to request a security freeze, which prevents new credit authorizations without your consent. Check annualcreditreport.com. Through the site, which was mandated by federal law in response to consumer outcry, you are entitled to receive one free credit report each year from each of the three major credit bureaus.

For more information on safeguarding your identity and bank accounts, visit Military.com's Finance channel.

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