Elkhart Police and other agencies are warning about an increase in ATM skimmer activity.

Skimmers are card readers that are placed on real terminals that gather information whenever a card is swiped. It stores the information and, when retrieved, allows the criminal to clone the card. There will often be a camera nearby to collect PIN numbers, as well.

Police recommend protecting yourself by checking for signs of tampering at ATMs and other terminals, pulling on the card reader to ensure that it’s still intact, covering the keypad when entering your PIN, and feeling for a rough edge where the card is inserted: It should be smooth there.

It’s also recommended that you frequently check your bank accounts for fraudulent activity.