Unfortunately, credit card skimmers make stealing your private information a breeze. Here are some steps you can take to avoid skimmers:
1- Check for tampering - Does something seem off? Are colors or materials on the machine wrong, the keyboard doesn't feel right, or graphics aren't aligned correctly?
2- Wiggle it - ATMs and gas station card readers should not have loose parts. Is the reader attached? What about the keyboard? If the machine takes your card and returns it at the end of the transaction, wiggle the card as you insert it. It won't interfere with your transaction, just a skimmer.
3- Is someone watching - Just because you don't see a skimmer doesn't mean it's not there. Cover your hand while you enter your pin in case someone has installed a camera.