LISTEN TO BOOMTOWN RADIO! “ALL the Music That Matters for the Generation That Created Rock 'n' Roll”

Don't Make an ATMistake!

We’ve all heard about “skimming.” That’s when you use your ATM card and some scam artist has inserted an additional piece of card-reading hardware that will steal you ATM card information. The people that monitor this sort of thing say incidents of skimming were up 500% in 2015 over the previous year.

Here’s how you can reduce the risk of someone getting you valuable information:

  1. Stick with the Chip – Digital chips are harder to hack (not impossible, but harder). Try to avoid using card readers where you still have to swipe the card's magnetic strip.
  2. Use a Bank Machine – While not perfect, bank ATMs are more secure. They are better maintained and have 24/7 surveillance cameras. Machines at gas stations and convenience stores account for the majority of card information theft.
  3. Inspect Before Swiping – If the machine doesn’t accept your card smoothly, walk away. Newer machines also have a flashing light in the card slot. If you don’t see one or it’s partially obscured, you might want to find another machine.
  4. Always Check Your Card Statements – Make there are no unusual or unfamiliar charges.
  5. Talk with Your Bank about Alternative Solutions – You might open a separate account with a smaller amount of money just for ATM purchases or you can lower the daily limit for ATM withdrawals.

Pop Up Player

Latest Posts–Financial Info

  • Interest Rate Check-Up
    Interest rates can work for us (when we’re saving or investing) or against us (when we’re buying cars or using our credit cards). Here are some quick tips to make sure you getting the best…
  • Money-Saving Tip: Buy Like a Man!
    This week’s tip applies more to females. When shopping for some personal care products, check out the versions that are marketed “for men.” Things like razors, shampoo and conditioner are actually priced higher when marketed…
  • To Lease or Not to Lease?
    Once you’ve retired, experts say it makes less sense to lease a car than to buy it outright. Here are their reasons: 1.) While lease payments may be lower than purchase payments, buying costs you…
  • Free Higher Learning
    If you are one of the many who want to keep learning no matter how old we get, you should know that many state colleges and universities waive tuition on courses for residents who are…
  • Is It Still Cool to Use Cash?
    With the rapid spread of swiping, followed by the rise of tapping and digital wallets, is anybody using cash anymore? Maybe not so surprisingly, the answer is – not much. The Federal Reserve estimates that…
  • Before You Buy That Retirement Condo
    Some things to check before you downsize to the retirement condo you think might be perfect: Check if the condo association dues have increased from year to year Determine if most of the units are…