Fake replacement cards and magnetic-stripe skimmers remain costly threats
Physical mail and altered payment terminals still give criminals routes into real bank and benefits accounts, even as fraud becomes more automated.
TLDR
WIRED reports that criminals are still using mailed fake replacement cards, bogus bank letters and magnetic-stripe skimmers alongside newer AI-assisted fraud. European mail campaigns direct victims to QR codes or fake banking sites, while a recent U.S. indictment alleges skimming aimed at benefits cards that still rely on magnetic stripes. The FBI says EBT skimming has grown since about 2021. The practical defenses are familiar: distrust unsolicited activation instructions, avoid swiping when possible and inspect payment terminals for tampering.
Fake replacement cards and magnetic-stripe skimmers remain costly threats
Physical mail and altered payment terminals still give criminals routes into real bank and benefits accounts, even as fraud becomes more automated.
TLDR
WIRED reports that criminals are still using mailed fake replacement cards, bogus bank letters and magnetic-stripe skimmers alongside newer AI-assisted fraud. European mail campaigns direct victims to QR codes or fake banking sites, while a recent U.S. indictment alleges skimming aimed at benefits cards that still rely on magnetic stripes. The FBI says EBT skimming has grown since about 2021. The practical defenses are familiar: distrust unsolicited activation instructions, avoid swiping when possible and inspect payment terminals for tampering.
