How do I avoid credit card skimmers? NBC Boston [Video]

Dozens of community members gathered at the Lynnfield Senior Center on Monday to learn more about the silent danger of credit card skimmers. The event was hosted by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations.

Skimmers are devices that enable thieves to steal card data and use it for fraudulent transactions. They’re often discovered in everyday places like gas stations, ATMs, and grocery and retail stores. According to the FBI, they cost consumers and banks about $1 billion every year.

“Education is why we’re here, so that they actually are aware of the fraudsters and what they are doing,” explained Layla D’Emilia, the undersecretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.