Kortskimming

Kortskimming, a term used in some languages for card skimming, is the illicit acquisition of payment card data during a transaction. Criminals install devices on card readers at ATMs or point-of-sale terminals to read the card’s data from the magnetic stripe. In some cases an overlay or false front is fitted to the reader to capture card numbers and expiration dates, and hidden cameras or fake keypads may be used to record PINs.

Techniques involve magnetic stripe skimmers that copy card data, overlay skimmers that conceal a fraudulent reader surface, and methods to capture PIN information. Malicious software on ATMs or POS systems can also harvest data from multiple users. While the adoption of EMV chip technology has reduced magnetic stripe skimming in many regions, skimming remains a risk, especially where magnetic stripe transactions or outdated equipment are still in use.

Impact from kortskimming includes financial losses for individuals and merchants, unauthorized transactions, and potential identity theft. It can undermine trust in electronic payments and lead to costs associated with fraud investigation and remediation. Legal frameworks in many countries classify card skimming and related fraud as offenses, and industry standards such as PCI DSS aim to protect card data and reduce fraud risk.

Prevention and detection emphasize use of EMV or contactless payments when possible, regular inspection of card readers for tampering, and shielding the keypad when entering a PIN. Consumers can reduce risk by monitoring bank accounts for unfamiliar activity, enabling alerts, and reporting suspicious readers to merchants or financial institutions.