Identity theft is rampant in America today. The Federal Trade Commission reports that one in every 10 people will be a victim of identity theft this year. The latest ruse is called credit card skimming.

Credit card skimming is a way for criminals to obtain your credit card information and store it on a special storage device to be used later for fraudulent purposes.

By all intents and purposes, it looks like the machine used to swipe your credit or debit card at a store or an ATM machine.

But once you swipe the card through the skimmer, your information can be stolen.

According to Crime Prevention Officer Don Calabrese it requires a minimal amount of technology and all the items required to make a skimmer can be bought at Radio Shack or on the Internet.

The criminals can use the information themselves or sell it to other criminals all over the country or the world.

"Credit card skimming can occur anywhere you use your debit or credit card," he said. "Some examples include gas pumps, ATM's, and retail stores. Remember that some criminals can be very smart and creative with their criminal activity. A restaurant or bar is the easiest place for skimming to occur because it is one of the few places that we hand someone our card and loose sight of it for a period of time. Skimming has occurred as far away as California and as close as right here in the Lowcountry."

Calabrese said there have been no reported incidents in Mount Pleasant, but there have been two occurrences in West Ashley and one in the upstate.

"A skimmer would be tough to put in place while an employee is there, so they are more commonly found on a drive up ATM," Calabrese said.

"They look very similar, but some of the fake ones might not have the braille on the key pads," he said. "Other than that, they are pretty accurate. That's why it's important to be familiar with your ATM and places you use your card." If it looks suspicious, he said, don't use it and notify the manager of the place of business and call the police department. They can be reached at 884-4176.

Protection

Be aware of your surroundings.

Only use your debit or credit card in places that you are familiar with.

Use the ATM inside the bank.

Check out the machine. If it doesn't look right don't take a chance. Notify management and law enforcement.

Use cash more often than credit cards.

Treat your credit card like gold.

Check your accounts on a daily basis.

If you notice a fraudulent charge you should notify law enforcement and close accounts before the fraudulent activity gets out of control.

When investigating credit card fraud it is beneficial to law enforcement if the first point of compromise can be found. These investigations can be lengthy and often involve several jurisdictions and states.

What to do

Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts.

The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:

TransUnion: www.transunion.com, 1-800-680-7289

Experian: www.experian.com, 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)

Equifax: www.equifax.com, 1-800-525-6285

Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain.

Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently:

Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened without your okay. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.

Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged. Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations.

File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.

This report will also help you claim your rights as a victim of Identity Theft.

Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.

ftc.gov/idtheft or 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338).

(Sully Witte can be reached at editor@moultrienews.com).