US20130037614A1 - Blocking device for a magnetic-stripe card reader - Google Patents
Blocking device for a magnetic-stripe card reader Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130037614A1 US20130037614A1 US13/543,324 US201213543324A US2013037614A1 US 20130037614 A1 US20130037614 A1 US 20130037614A1 US 201213543324 A US201213543324 A US 201213543324A US 2013037614 A1 US2013037614 A1 US 2013037614A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- magnetic
- card reader
- blocking device
- card
- housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
- G06K7/0013—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by galvanic contacts, e.g. card connectors for ISO-7816 compliant smart cards or memory cards, e.g. SD card readers
- G06K7/0056—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by galvanic contacts, e.g. card connectors for ISO-7816 compliant smart cards or memory cards, e.g. SD card readers housing of the card connector
- G06K7/0078—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by galvanic contacts, e.g. card connectors for ISO-7816 compliant smart cards or memory cards, e.g. SD card readers housing of the card connector reinforced housing for protection against damage, be it due malevolent action, such as drilling and other ways of forced entry, or by accident, such as shock due to dropping
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
Definitions
- Magnetic-stripe cards are often used as credit cards, debit cards, and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards. These magnetic-stripe cards are used with transaction machines, such as ATMs, gas station pumps, and point-of-sale (POS) machines (for example, at a grocery store, drug store, or department store), any of which include a card reader that reads account information from the card.
- the magnetic-stripe cards also may be used to gain access to a transaction machine. For example, some ATMs are enclosed in a vestibule, and entry to the vestibule is provided through a locked door that may be unlocked in response to a user inserting a magnetic-stripe card in a card reader associated with the door.
- the card readers usually are one of three types: dip readers, swipe readers, and motorized readers.
- a dip reader a card holder inserts the magnetic-stripe card into a slot and then immediately withdraws the card.
- the dip reader includes a scanning head in the slot that reads the account information on the magnetic stripe of the magnetic-stripe card as the card holder inserts and removes the card.
- a swipe reader a card holder slides the magnetic-stripe card through a slot.
- the swipe reader includes a scanning head in the slot that reads the account information on the magnetic stripe of the magnetic-stripe card as the card is passed through the slot.
- a motorized reader a card holder inserts the card into a slot.
- motors and grabbing devices take hold of the magnetic-stripe card and pull the card into an internal portion of the card reader.
- the card reader then moves the card such that its magnetic stripe passes over a scanning head that reads the card.
- the motorized reader usually holds the card until the card holder has completed a transaction.
- a card holder also must enter a code (often referred to as a “personal identification number” or “PIN”) into a keypad on the transaction machine.
- PIN personal identification number
- Magnetic-stripe card readers are susceptible to “skimming,” in which the account information on a magnetic-stripe card and the PIN entered onto a keypad are secretly recorded for later use by a criminal (called a “skimmer” herein).
- the skimmer wants the mold to be unnoticed by the card holder at the transaction device.
- the mold may be an exact replica of the exterior surface of the card reader that fits over the card reader. Alternatively, the mold may have a generic look. In either instance, the skimmer wants the mold to be as small as possible to minimize chances that a card holder (or any other person) recognizes that the mold is on the transaction device.
- the mold includes a scanning head that reads the account information off of the magnetic stripe of the magnetic-stripe card.
- the mold also includes a memory device coupled to the scanning head that stores the account information for later retrieval by the skimmer.
- the mold must not interfere with the card holder's ability to use the card reader. If the card holder is not able to insert a magnetic-stripe card and have it read by the transaction machine, then the user likely will not attempt to enter the PIN and may be alerted to the possibility of a skimming device being used. For this additional reason, a skimming device mold must be as small as possible so that it does not interfere with a card user's use of a magnetic-stripe card in a transaction machine.
- the skimmer also discretely places a small camera on or nearby the transaction machine that captures images of the keypad of the transaction machine so that the skimmer can get both the account information from the magnetic-stripe card and also the PIN associated with the card.
- FIG. 1A illustrates a dip reader style of magnetic-stripe card reader.
- FIG. 1B illustrates a swipe reader style of magnetic-stripe reader.
- FIG. 1C illustrates a motorized magnetic-stripe reader.
- FIG. 2A is an exploded side view of a magnetic-stripe reader and a skimming mold.
- FIG. 2B is a side view of a magnetic-stripe reader with a skimming mold in place.
- FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a blocking device.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a blocking device.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a blocking device.
- FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an embodiment of a blocking device.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a blocking device.
- FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a blocking device.
- FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of a blocking device.
- FIG. 9B illustrates an embodiment of a blocking device.
- the present invention relates to a secure blocking device that can be placed over a card reader of a transaction machine, or any other card reader, such as a card reader for a vestibule door, that resist a skimmer placing a skimming device mold over or under the blocking device.
- the blocking device is secure such that attempts to remove it would draw attention to the skimmer.
- a skimming device mold large enough to surround a volumetric space defined by the blocking device and the card reader would need to be so large that it would look out of place to a card holder using the transaction machine.
- the size of the skimming device mold may also be so large (to surround the blocking device) that it prevents the card holder from using the card reader.
- the blocking device can be used on any type of transaction device, including different makes and models.
- the blocking device has a simple design and simple construction, so it can easily and quickly be adapted to counter new skimming device molds that may be contrived by criminals in the future.
- the simple design results in substantially no hardware or software upgrades of the transaction machines on which they are installed, and no special training is required to install the blocking device.
- the blocking device does not affect the underlying functionality of magnetic-stripe cards or magnetic-stripe card readers.
- FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a dip reader style of magnetic-stripe card reader 100 that may be used in connection with certain embodiments of the invention.
- the magnetic-stripe card reader 100 has a housing 102 that is attached to a surface 114 of a transaction machine, such as an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), a gas station pump, or a point of sale (POS) device, such as those commonly found at cash registers at grocery stores, drug stores, department stores, and other sales locations.
- ATM Automated Teller Machine
- POS point of sale
- the housing 102 of the magnetic-stripe card reader 100 includes a front surface 104 that includes a slot 106 that passes into the housing 102 .
- the housing 102 also includes a gap 108 .
- a card holder inserts a magnetic-stripe card (not shown) into the slot 106 in the direction of arrow 116 a
- the card holder's fingers can fit into the gap 108 so that the card holder can maintain her grip on the card.
- a scanning head 112 in the housing 102 reads account information from a magnetic stripe (not shown) on the magnetic-stripe card.
- the housing 102 may include one or more angular faces 110 .
- FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a swipe reader style of magnetic-stripe card reader 120 that may be used in connection with certain embodiments of the invention.
- the magnetic-stripe card reader 120 has a housing 122 that is attached to a surface 134 of a transaction machine, such as an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), a gas station pump, or a point of sale (POS) device, such as those commonly found at cash registers at grocery stores, drug stores, department stores, and other sales locations.
- ATM Automated Teller Machine
- POS point of sale
- the magnetic-stripe card reader 100 also may be associated with other devices, such as a door vestibule.
- the housing 122 of the magnetic-stripe card reader 120 includes a front surface 124 that includes a slot 126 that passes from a first side 134 a of the housing 122 to a second side 134 b of the housing 122 such that the slot 126 has open ends 130 a,b.
- a card holder inserts the magnetic stripe (not shown) of a magnetic-stripe card (not shown) into the second open end 130 b of the slot 126 and pulls (or swipes) the card in the direction of arrow 132
- a scanning head 128 in the housing 122 reads account information stored on the magnetic stripe of the magnetic-stripe card.
- the card holder swipes the card in the direction of arrow 132 until the card exits through the first open end 130 a of the slot 126 .
- FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional side view of a motorized reader style of magnetic-stripe card reader 140 that may be used in connection with certain embodiments of the invention.
- the magnetic-stripe card reader 140 includes a housing 142 mounted to a machinery housing 156 .
- the machinery housing 156 is in an interior space 158 of the transaction machine and the housing 142 extends through an opening 162 in a surface 156 of the transaction machine such that at least a portion of the housing 142 is in an exterior space 160 of the transaction machine.
- a front face 144 of the housing 142 includes a slot 146 that is arranged to accept a magnetic-stripe card (not shown).
- the card holder inserts a magnetic-stripe card into the slot 146 in the direction of arrow 164 .
- rollers 148 a,b When the magnetic-stripe card has been inserted into the slot 146 by a certain amount, rollers 148 a,b, powered by electric motors (not shown), grab the magnetic-stripe card and pull the card into the interior of the machinery housing 156 . Additional sets of rollers 150 a,b and 152 a,b may also be placed in the machinery housing 156 to further move the magnetic-stripe card within the machinery housing 156 in the directions of arrows 166 . As the magnetic-stripe card is moved in the directions of arrows 166 , a reader head 154 reads account information from the magnetic stripe of the magnetic-stripe card. When the card holder has completed a transaction the rollers 148 a,b, 150 a,b, and 152 a,b return the magnetic-stripe card to the card holder through the slot 146 .
- Some magnetic-stripe cards also may include EMV® Integrated Circuit Cards. Accordingly, some magnetic-stripe card readers may include EMV® Integrated Circuit Card readers.
- EMV® is an acronym based on the names of the original organizations that created it: Europay, MasterCard®, and Visa®. EMV® uses an integrated circuit chip embedded in the card that communicates with the EMV® reader.
- the terms “magnetic-stripe card reader” and “card reader” used herein refer to any card reader that reads a card having a magnetic stripe (including card readers that also incorporate EMV® readers) and also any card reader that will accept a magnetic-stripe card form factor, such as, for example, an EMV®-only reader that is capable of accepting, but not reading, a magnetic-stripe card.
- the term “magnetic-stripe card” used herein refers to cards with magnetic stripes and also to cards that have technology, such as, for example, an EMV® integrated circuit, in addition to a magnetic stripe.
- FIG. 2A is an exploded cross-sectional side view of an example skimming device 202 and a magnetic-stripe card reader 204 .
- the magnetic-stripe card reader 204 is shown as a dip reader style of magnetic-stripe card reader, but a person having ordinary skill will appreciate that the magnetic-stripe card reader 204 also could be a swipe reader or a motorized reader.
- the magnetic-stripe card reader 204 includes a housing 206 on a surface 220 of a transaction machine.
- the housing 206 has a slot 208 and a reader head 210 in the slot 208 .
- the skimming device 202 has an outer mold 212 that includes an opening 214 .
- a reader head 216 is located on the mold 212 at the opening 214 .
- the mold includes surfaces 222 and 224 that align with or conform to surfaces of the housing 206 and of the surface 220 of the transaction machine.
- the skimmer attaches the skimming device 202 by placing the skimming device mold 212 over the magnetic-stripe card reader 204 as indicated by arrows 218 .
- the skimmer may place an adhesive on surfaces 222 and/or 224 of the skimming device mold 212 to adhere to mating surfaces of the card reader housing 206 .
- FIG. 2B shows the skimming device 202 placed over the magnetic-stripe card reader 204 .
- the opening 214 in the skimming device mold 212 of the skimming device 202 aligns with the slot 208 of the magnetic-stripe card reader 204 .
- reader head 216 of the skimming device 202 is aligned with the reader head 210 of the magnetic-stripe card reader 204 .
- the card passes through the opening 214 in the skimming device and into the slot 208 of the magnetic-stripe card reader 204 , and both the reader head 216 of the skimming device 202 and the reader head 210 of the magnetic-stripe card reader 204 read the account information stored on the magnetic stripe of the card. Because the skimming device 202 fits so closely over the profile of the magnetic-stripe card reader 204 , the card holder likely will not notice its presence. Also, because the skimming device 202 and its reader head 216 do not interfere with the reader head 210 of the magnetic-stripe card reader 204 , the transaction machine will function normally, and the card holder is unlikely to notice that something is amiss.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a blocking device 300 for a transaction machine, such as an ATM, gas station pump, or a POS machine.
- the transaction machine includes a card reader housing 304 mounted to a first surface 302 of the transaction machine.
- the transaction machine includes a second surface 303 at an angle relative to the first surface 302 along a common edge 324 .
- the card reader housing 304 includes a front face 306 and slot 308 for receiving a magnetic-stripe card (not shown).
- the blocking device 300 includes a base portion that includes members 310 a - f.
- members 301 a - f are made of heavy-gauge metal wire or metal rod.
- the metal may be any metal, such as steel or aluminum.
- the members 301 a - f may be joined together by welding or they may comprise a single piece of wire or rod that is bent at the junction of two members.
- Members 310 a - c lie substantially in a plane parallel to surface 302 and members 310 d - f lie substantially in a plane parallel to surface 303 such that when the blocking device 300 is installed on the transaction machine, the base portion substantially conforms to surfaces 302 and 303 of the transaction machine.
- the blocking device 300 also includes a cage portion that includes members 312 a - f, which protrude from the base, and members 314 a - g, which connect distal ends of members 312 a - f.
- Members 312 a - f and 314 a - g also may be made of heavy-gauge metal wire or metal rod.
- the cage portion includes additional members 316 a and 316 b, which are attached to members 314 a and 314 c, and which form an aperture 322 around the slot in the front face 306 of the card reader housing 304 .
- the aperture 322 provides at least sufficient space for a magnetic-stripe card to be passed therethrough for placement in the slot 308 of the card reader housing 304 .
- the aperture 322 also may provide sufficient space for a card holder's hand (or a part of the hand) to fit through if necessary for the card holder to be able to insert the card into the slot 308 .
- the aperture 322 is not so large as to permit a skimming device to be passed therethrough for application to the card reader housing 304 .
- Members 312 a - f, 314 a - g, and 316 a - b form a cage that surrounds the card reader housing 304 and that forms a volumetric space such that a skimming device mold, such as that shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , placed over the cage would be so large as to look out of place and draw attention to itself.
- the entire blocking device 300 may be coated in a plastic, rubber, or other material that prevents the card-holders' hands from coming in contact with sharp and/or hard metal. Such a coating also may protect the metal wire or rod material from corrosion damage.
- the coating also may carry a brand logo of the transaction device or the transaction device operator. The coating also could be formed in a color that matches brand colors for the transaction device or the transaction device operator.
- the blocking device 300 also includes multiple mounting locations 318 a - d, shown in FIG. 3 as loops 318 a - d with holes 320 a - d therein.
- FIG. 4 shows similar mounting locations with screws 424 a - d aligned with holes 422 a - d of loops 420 a - d.
- the loops 318 a - d may be formed of portions of wire or metal rod, or they may be formed of washers or the like that are welded to base members 310 a - f.
- secure does not necessarily mean that the blocking device 300 cannot be removed.
- the mounting locations may be plates that provide a surface for applying a strong adhesive for affixing the blocking device 300 to the surfaces 302 , 303 .
- Use of an adhesive may be preferable if drilling holes in the surfaces 302 , 303 at the positions of the mounting locations 318 a - d in an installed configuration would cause damage to internal components of the transaction machine.
- the internal components in the machinery housing 156 shown in FIG. 1C may be damaged by holes being drilled into surface 156 for mounting a blocking device over the card reader housing 142 .
- the blocking device 30 may substantially fill an operating volume in which a card holder must be able to manipulate a magnetic-stripe card to pass it into or through a card reader slot 308 .
- the card holder must be able to hold onto the card up to a distance away from the card reader housing 304 where the card reader reads the card (in the case of dip readers and swipe readers, examples of which are described above with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B ) or where the card reader grabs the card (in the case of motorized readers, examples of which are described above with respect to FIG. 1C ).
- the boundaries defined by this distance away from the card reader housing 304 form the operating volume.
- Certain embodiments of the blocking device 300 are sized so that a card holder may reach into the operating volume, such as, for example, through aperture 322 , to manipulate the card, but a volume added by attaching a skimming device outside of the blocking device 300 may prevent the user from manipulating the card in the operating volume, thereby preventing the user's card from being read. Certain embodiments of other blocking devices disclosed herein also may be similarly sized.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a blocking device 400 covering a card reader 410 mounted to a first surface 402 of a transaction machine.
- the blocking device includes a base portion that includes members 412 a - d.
- the first surface 402 of the transaction machine has a curved surface as can be seen by edge 426 that is shared with a second surface 404 .
- Members 412 a and 412 c are curved to match the contours of the first surface 402 .
- the blocking device 400 includes a cage portion like the cage portion of FIG. 3 , including having an aperture 416 over a slot 428 in the card reader housing 410 .
- Members 414 a and 414 b of the cage portion are shown having a curve that matches the curve of members 412 a and 412 c of the base portion.
- members 414 a and 414 b may have a different curvature from members 412 a and 412 c.
- the base portion also includes extension members 418 a - d that extend away from the blocking device and include mounting locations 420 a - d at their ends, shown in FIG. 4 as loops 420 a - d with holes 422 a - d therein.
- the extension members 418 a - d extend beyond edges 426 , 430 of the first surface 402 and the extension members 418 a - d include bends or curves to place the mounting locations 420 a - d onto the second surface 404 and a third surface 406 .
- Screws 424 a - d are placed in holes 422 a - d of the mounting locations for mounting to the transaction machine.
- FIG. 4 shows curved members 412 a and 412 c in the same blocking device with extension members 418 a - d.
- the curved members 412 a and 412 c may be used in a blocking device without the extension members 418 a - d and vice versa.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a blocking device 500 mounted on a surface 502 of a transaction machine.
- the card reader housing 504 is shown in dashed lines.
- the blocking device 500 includes a first base plate 510 a and a second base plate 510 b .
- Each of the two base plates 510 a,b substantially conforms to contours at the location on the surface 502 on which each is mounted.
- Plates 512 a and 512 b protrude from respective base plates 510 a,b on sides of a card reader housing 504 .
- Plates 514 a and 514 b extend from ends of respective plates 512 a,b in front of the face 506 of the card reader housing 504 .
- the plates 514 a,b have respective edges 518 a,b that are arranged on ends 516 a,b of the card slot 508 .
- the space between edges 518 a,b comprises an aperture 520 through which a magnetic-stripe card (not shown) may pass to be placed into the slot 508 of the card reader housing 504 .
- the edges 516 a,b are spaced from respective ends 516 a,b of the card slot such that a magnetic-stripe card may be placed into the slot.
- the edges 516 a,b are sufficiently close to respective ends 516 a,b of the slot 508 so that if a skimming device were placed over the blocking device 500 , then the portions of the skimming device covering the edges 516 a,b of plates 514 a,b also will partially cover the ends 516 a,b of the slot 508 and thereby prevent a magnetic-stripe card from being inserted into the slot 508 .
- Base plate 510 a, plate 512 a, and plate 514 a may be made of a single piece of metal that is bent.
- base plate 510 a, plate 512 a, and plate 514 a may start as three pieces of metal that are joined together, for example, by welding.
- base plate 510 b, plate 512 b, and plate 514 b may be made of a single piece of metal that is bent or may be welded together.
- plates 510 a and 510 b have a height H I that is greater than a height H 2 of the card reader housing 504 .
- plates 510 a,b may have a height H 1 that is equal to or less than a height H 2 of the card reader housing 504 .
- Plates 510 a and 510 b may be securely affixed to surface 502 using an adhesive. Alternatively, plates 510 a,b may be securely affixed to surface 502 using screws, bolts, rivets, or the like.
- FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a blocking device 600 for a card reader housing 604 mounted on a surface 602 of a transaction machine.
- the card reader housing 604 is shown in dashed lines.
- the blocking device 600 includes a first base plate 610 a and a second base plate 610 b. Each of the two base plates 610 a,b conforms to contours at the location on the surface 602 on which each is mounted.
- the transaction machine includes a second surface 626 at an angle relative to the first surface 602 and sharing a common edge 624 with the first surface 602 .
- the first base plate 610 a terminates at an edge 627 that is aligned with the edge 624 between the first surface 602 and the second surface 626 of the transaction machine.
- a third base plate 610 c is attached to the first base plate 610 a at the edge 626 .
- the third base plate 610 c may be attached to the first base plate 610 a by welding, or the first and third base plates 610 a,c may be formed from a single piece of metal that is bent at line 626 .
- the third base plate 610 c is at an angle relative to the first plate 610 a that is substantially equal to the relative angle between first and second surfaces 602 , 626 . As such, when the base plates 610 a,c are installed on surfaces 602 , 626 of the transaction machine, the base plates 610 a,c conform to the respective surfaces 602 , 626 .
- Plates 612 a and 612 b protrude from respective base plates 610 a,b on sides of a card reader housing 604 .
- Plates 614 a and 614 b extend from ends of respective plates 612 a,b in front of the face 606 of the card reader housing 604 .
- the plates 614 a,b have respective edges 618 a,b that are arranged on ends 616 a,b of the card slot 608 .
- the space between edges 618 a,b is an aperture through which a magnetic-stripe card (not shown) may pass to be placed into the slot 608 of the card reader housing 604 .
- edges 616 a,b are spaced from respective ends 616 a,b of the card slot such that a magnetic-stripe card may be placed into the slot.
- the edges 616 a,b are sufficiently close to respective ends 616 a,b of the slot 608 so that if a skimming device were placed over the blocking device 600 , then the portions of the skimming device covering the edges 616 a,b of plates 614 a,b also will partially cover the ends 616 a,b of the slot 608 and thereby prevent a magnetic-stripe card from being inserted into the slot 608 .
- Plates 620 a,b and 622 a,b also extend from ends of respective plates 612 a,b.
- Plates 620 a,b are positioned on the end of respective plates 612 a,b such that they are above the card reader housing 604 and are angled relative to respective plates 612 a,b. The angle of the plates 620 a,b relative to respective plates 612 a,b results in the plates 620 a,b crossing over the top of the card reader housing 604 in the direction of the surface 602 .
- plates 622 a,b are positioned on the end of respective plates 612 a,b such that they are below the card reader housing 604 and are angled relative to respective plates 612 a,b such that the plates 622 a,b cross over the bottom of the card reader housing 604 in the direction of the surface 602 .
- Base plate 610 a, plate 612 a, plate 614 a, 620 a, and 622 a may be made of a single piece of metal that is bent (and cut) to form the shape depicted in FIG. 6A .
- base plate 610 a, plate 612 a, plate 614 a, 620 a, and 620 b may start as multiple pieces of metal that are joined together, for example, by welding.
- base plate 610 b, plate 612 b, plate 614 b , plate 620 b, and 622 b may be made of a single piece of metal that is bent (and cut) or may be welded together.
- FIGS. 6A-6D show top, front, and left side views, respectively, of the embodiment of a blocking device 600 shown in FIG. 6A .
- FIG. 68 shows plates 620 a,b above the card reader housing 604 with plates 612 a,b on sides of the card reader housing 604 and plates 618 a,b in front of the card reader housing 604 . Plates 622 a,b are not shown in FIG. 6B but are beneath the card reader housing 604 .
- Plates 622 a,b may be of similar length and at a similar angle relative to the card reader housing 604 as plates 620 a,b or they may be of different length and angle. Plates 620 a,b partially block a view of the card reader housing 604 from above and plates 622 a,b partially block a view of the card reader housing 604 from below.
- FIG. 6C shows plates 614 a,b on sides of the card reader housing 604 and partially covering the front face 606 of the card reader housing 604 . The edges 618 a,b of respective plates 614 a,b are close to ends 616 a,b of the card slot 608 in the card reader.
- FIG. 6C also shows plates 620 a,b above the card reader housing 604 and plates 622 a,b below the card reader housing 604 .
- Plates 614 a,b partially block a view of the card reader housing 604 from the front.
- FIG. 6D shows a left side view of the blocking device 600 and shows plate 612 a extending from base plate 610 a away from surface 602 and extending past the front face 606 of the card reader housing 604 .
- Plate 612 a also extends above the top of the card reader housing 604 and below the bottom of the card reader housing 604 .
- Plate 612 a at least partially blocks a view of card reader housing 604 from the right.
- plate 612 b at least partially blocks a view of the card reader housing 604 from the left. Because there is no view in which the blocking device 600 does not at least partially block the card reader housing 604 , it is very difficult for a skimmer to place a skimming device mold between the card reader housing 604 and the blocking device 600 . Any mold that could be placed between the card reader housing 604 and the blocking device 600 likely would require multiple pieces that would be assembled on the card reader housing and/or would look out of place on the card reader.
- Plates 610 a and 610 b may be securely affixed to surface 602 using an adhesive. Alternatively, plates 610 a,b may be securely affixed to surface 602 using screws, bolts, rivets, or the like.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a blocking device 700 for a swipe reader style of card reader housing 704 on a surface 702 of a transaction machine.
- the card reader housing 704 is shown in dashed lines.
- the card reader housing 704 includes a slot 708 with open ends 716 a,b.
- a magnetic-stripe card is slid through the slot from a first open end 716 a to a second open end 716 b to be read.
- the blocking device 700 includes base plates 710 a,b and plates 712 a,b protruding from respective base plates 710 a,b.
- Plates 714 a and 714 b extend from ends of respective plates 712 a,b in front of the face 706 of the card reader housing 704 .
- the plates 714 a,b have respective edges 718 a,b that are arranged on sides 724 a,b of the card slot 708 .
- the space between edges 718 a,b is an aperture through which a magnetic-stripe card (not shown) may slide in the slot 708 of the card reader housing 704 .
- the edges 716 a,b are spaced from respective sides 724 a,b of the card slot such that a magnetic-stripe card may be placed into the slot.
- the edges 716 sufficiently close to respective ends 724 a,b of the slot 708 so that if a skimming device were placed over the blocking device 700 , then the portions of the skimming device covering the edges 716 a,b of plates 714 a,b also will partially cover the sides 724 a,b of the slot 708 and thereby prevent a magnetic-stripe card from being inserted into the slot 708 .
- Plates 720 a,b and 722 a,b also extend from ends of respective plates 712 a,b. Plates 720 a,b are positioned on the end of respective plates 712 a,b such that they are at ends of the card reader housing 704 and are angled relative to respective plates 712 a,b.
- plates 720 a,b The angle of the plates 720 a,b relative to respective plates 712 a,b results in the plates 720 a,b crossing over an end of the card reader housing 704 in the direction of the surface 702 .
- plates 722 a,b are positioned on the end of respective plates 712 a,b such that they are on an opposite end of the card reader housing 704 and are angled relative to respective plates 712 a,b such that the plates 722 a,b cross over the side of the card reader housing 704 in the direction of the surface 702 .
- Base plate 710 a, plate 712 a, plate 714 a, 720 a, and 722 a may be made of a single piece of metal that is bent (and cut) to form the shape depicted in FIG. 7 .
- base plate 710 a, plate 712 a, plate 714 a, 720 a, and 720 b may start as multiple pieces of metal that are joined together, for example, by welding.
- base plate 710 b , plate 712 b, plate 714 b, plate 720 b, and 722 b may be made of a single piece of metal that is bent (and cut) or may be welded together.
- Plates 710 a and 610 b may be securely affixed to surface 702 using an adhesive. Alternatively, plates 710 a,b may be securely affixed to surface 702 using screws, bolts, rivets, or the like.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another blocking device 800 for a card reader housing 808 that is placed at an intersection of three surfaces 802 , 804 , 806 of a transaction machine.
- the card reader housing 808 is shown in dashed lines.
- the blocking device 800 includes a base plate 812 and a plate 814 extending from the base plate 812 along an exposed side of the card reader housing 808 opposite one of the walls (in the example shown in FIG. 8 , opposite wall 806 ).
- the plate 814 extends beyond the front face 818 and the top face 820 of the card reader housing 808 .
- the plate 814 optionally also includes angled portions 816 a,b at corners.
- the plate 814 by itself, enlarges the dimensions that a skimming mold must accommodate to discretely cover the card reader housing 808 . If a skimming device were to be placed over the blocking device, the volumetric space of the combined blocking device and skimming device may make it difficult or impossible for a card holder to insert a magnetic-stripe card (not shown) into the card slot 810 in the housing 808 .
- the angled portions 816 a,b further alter dimensions that the skimming mold must accommodate. Furthermore, the angled portions 816 a,b may make it difficult or impossible for a skimmer to discretely attach a skimming mold over the card reader housing 808 .
- a skimmer may attempt to adhere a skimming mold to the outer face of plate 814 (the visible face in FIG. 8 ) because the large flat surface provides for good adhesion.
- the angled portions 816 a,b act to hold a skimming mold away from the flat surface of plate 814 unless the skimming mold were to include bulges, humps, or other protrusions to accommodate the angled portions 816 a,b.
- a skimmer would be faced with a choice of either using a skimming mold that does not adhere very well or to using a skimming mold with unusual-looking bulges or humps that draw unwanted attention to the skimming device.
- FIG. 9A is a perspective view of another blocking device 900 for a card reader housing 930 that is placed at an intersection of three surfaces 902 , 904 , 906 of a transaction machine.
- the blocking device 900 includes a base plate 912 mounted to surface 904 .
- a plate 914 extends from the base plate 812 along an exposed side of the card reader housing 930 opposite one of the walls (in the example shown in FIG. 9 , opposite wall 906 ).
- the plate 914 extends beyond the front face 928 and the top face 926 of the card reader housing 930 .
- a third plate 916 extends from plate 914 and extends in front of the front face 928 of the card reader housing 930 .
- the plate 916 optionally also includes bent portions 922 a,b at corners.
- the blocking device 900 also includes a second base plate 918 mounted to surface 906 , and a plate 920 attached to the second base plate 918 that extends in front of the front face 928 of the card reader housing 930 .
- the plate 920 optionally includes bent portions 924 a,b.
- the plates 912 , 914 , 916 enlarge the dimensions that a skimming mold must accommodate to discretely cover the combination of the card reader housing 930 and the blocking device. These increased dimensions may make it difficult or impossible for a card holder to insert a magnetic-stripe card (not shown) into the card slot 910 in the housing.
- the bent portions 922 a,b and 924 a,b bend towards the card reader housing 930 and provide no view of the card reader housing 930 that is not blocked by a portion of the blocking device 900 .
- the blocking device 900 may include a second side that is similar or identical to base plate 912 , plates 914 and 916 , and bent portions 922 a,b.
- FIG. 9B shows a top view an alternative embodiment of base plate 912 in which a free end of the base plate 912 includes a curl 932 away from surface 904 .
- the curl 932 adds additional dimensions over which a skimming device must cover, again making it more difficult for a skimming device to be discretely placed on the card reader housing 930 .
- the curl 932 at least partially eliminates the base plate 912 as a flat surface to which a skimming device may be adhered, making it less likely that a skimming device can be securely adhered to the card reader housing 930 and the blocker 900 .
- FIG. 9B a person having ordinary skill understands that the curl 932 may be added to any of the free ends of base plates shown in any of the figures of this application.
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Abstract
A blocking device for a magnetic-stripe or EMV® card reader, such as readers on an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), point of sale (POS) machine, or gas station pump. The blocking device securely attaches to the transaction machine such that unauthorized removal of the blocking device is difficult and likely will attract attention. The blocking device surrounds exposed portions of a magnetic-stripe card reader housing such that a skimming mold that fits over both the housing and the blocking device will stand out and be obvious to a user of the transaction machine. Also, a skimming mold fitting over the blocking device may prevent a card holder from properly inserting a magnetic-stripe card into the card reader. The difficulty of placing a skimming mold under or over the blocking device likely will deter a potential criminal skimmer from attempting to attach a skimming device in the first place.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/285,411, filed on Oct. 31, 2011 and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/521,255, filed on Aug. 8, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.
- Magnetic-stripe cards are often used as credit cards, debit cards, and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards. These magnetic-stripe cards are used with transaction machines, such as ATMs, gas station pumps, and point-of-sale (POS) machines (for example, at a grocery store, drug store, or department store), any of which include a card reader that reads account information from the card. The magnetic-stripe cards also may be used to gain access to a transaction machine. For example, some ATMs are enclosed in a vestibule, and entry to the vestibule is provided through a locked door that may be unlocked in response to a user inserting a magnetic-stripe card in a card reader associated with the door. The card readers usually are one of three types: dip readers, swipe readers, and motorized readers. To use a dip reader, a card holder inserts the magnetic-stripe card into a slot and then immediately withdraws the card. The dip reader includes a scanning head in the slot that reads the account information on the magnetic stripe of the magnetic-stripe card as the card holder inserts and removes the card. To use a swipe reader, a card holder slides the magnetic-stripe card through a slot. The swipe reader includes a scanning head in the slot that reads the account information on the magnetic stripe of the magnetic-stripe card as the card is passed through the slot. To use a motorized reader, a card holder inserts the card into a slot. In the slot, motors and grabbing devices take hold of the magnetic-stripe card and pull the card into an internal portion of the card reader. The card reader then moves the card such that its magnetic stripe passes over a scanning head that reads the card. The motorized reader usually holds the card until the card holder has completed a transaction. Often times, in addition to passing a magnetic-stripe card through a card reader, a card holder also must enter a code (often referred to as a “personal identification number” or “PIN”) into a keypad on the transaction machine.
- Magnetic-stripe card readers are susceptible to “skimming,” in which the account information on a magnetic-stripe card and the PIN entered onto a keypad are secretly recorded for later use by a criminal (called a “skimmer” herein). The skimmer wants the mold to be unnoticed by the card holder at the transaction device. The mold may be an exact replica of the exterior surface of the card reader that fits over the card reader. Alternatively, the mold may have a generic look. In either instance, the skimmer wants the mold to be as small as possible to minimize chances that a card holder (or any other person) recognizes that the mold is on the transaction device. The mold includes a scanning head that reads the account information off of the magnetic stripe of the magnetic-stripe card. The mold also includes a memory device coupled to the scanning head that stores the account information for later retrieval by the skimmer. Importantly, the mold must not interfere with the card holder's ability to use the card reader. If the card holder is not able to insert a magnetic-stripe card and have it read by the transaction machine, then the user likely will not attempt to enter the PIN and may be alerted to the possibility of a skimming device being used. For this additional reason, a skimming device mold must be as small as possible so that it does not interfere with a card user's use of a magnetic-stripe card in a transaction machine.
- The skimmer also discretely places a small camera on or nearby the transaction machine that captures images of the keypad of the transaction machine so that the skimmer can get both the account information from the magnetic-stripe card and also the PIN associated with the card.
- The novel features of the various embodiments are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The various embodiments, however, both as to organization and methods of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows.
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FIG. 1A illustrates a dip reader style of magnetic-stripe card reader. -
FIG. 1B illustrates a swipe reader style of magnetic-stripe reader. -
FIG. 1C illustrates a motorized magnetic-stripe reader. -
FIG. 2A is an exploded side view of a magnetic-stripe reader and a skimming mold. -
FIG. 2B is a side view of a magnetic-stripe reader with a skimming mold in place. -
FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a blocking device. -
FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a blocking device. -
FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a blocking device. -
FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an embodiment of a blocking device. -
FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a blocking device. -
FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a blocking device. -
FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of a blocking device. -
FIG. 9B illustrates an embodiment of a blocking device. - The present invention relates to a secure blocking device that can be placed over a card reader of a transaction machine, or any other card reader, such as a card reader for a vestibule door, that resist a skimmer placing a skimming device mold over or under the blocking device. The blocking device is secure such that attempts to remove it would draw attention to the skimmer. Likewise, a skimming device mold large enough to surround a volumetric space defined by the blocking device and the card reader would need to be so large that it would look out of place to a card holder using the transaction machine. The size of the skimming device mold may also be so large (to surround the blocking device) that it prevents the card holder from using the card reader. The blocking device can be used on any type of transaction device, including different makes and models. Also, the blocking device has a simple design and simple construction, so it can easily and quickly be adapted to counter new skimming device molds that may be contrived by criminals in the future. Furthermore, the simple design results in substantially no hardware or software upgrades of the transaction machines on which they are installed, and no special training is required to install the blocking device. Also, the blocking device does not affect the underlying functionality of magnetic-stripe cards or magnetic-stripe card readers.
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FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a dip reader style of magnetic-stripe card reader 100 that may be used in connection with certain embodiments of the invention. The magnetic-stripe card reader 100 has ahousing 102 that is attached to asurface 114 of a transaction machine, such as an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), a gas station pump, or a point of sale (POS) device, such as those commonly found at cash registers at grocery stores, drug stores, department stores, and other sales locations. The magnetic-stripe card reader 100 also may be associated with other devices, such as a door vestibule. Thehousing 102 of the magnetic-stripe card reader 100 includes afront surface 104 that includes aslot 106 that passes into thehousing 102. Thehousing 102 also includes agap 108. When a card holder inserts a magnetic-stripe card (not shown) into theslot 106 in the direction ofarrow 116 a, the card holder's fingers (not shown) can fit into thegap 108 so that the card holder can maintain her grip on the card. When the card holder slides the magnetic-stripe card into theslot 106 in the direction ofarrow 116 a and then pulls the card out of theslot 106 in the direction ofarrow 116 b, ascanning head 112 in thehousing 102 reads account information from a magnetic stripe (not shown) on the magnetic-stripe card. Thehousing 102 may include one or more angular faces 110. -
FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a swipe reader style of magnetic-stripe card reader 120 that may be used in connection with certain embodiments of the invention. The magnetic-stripe card reader 120 has ahousing 122 that is attached to asurface 134 of a transaction machine, such as an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), a gas station pump, or a point of sale (POS) device, such as those commonly found at cash registers at grocery stores, drug stores, department stores, and other sales locations. The magnetic-stripe card reader 100 also may be associated with other devices, such as a door vestibule. Thehousing 122 of the magnetic-stripe card reader 120 includes afront surface 124 that includes aslot 126 that passes from afirst side 134 a of thehousing 122 to asecond side 134 b of thehousing 122 such that theslot 126 hasopen ends 130 a,b. When a card holder inserts the magnetic stripe (not shown) of a magnetic-stripe card (not shown) into the secondopen end 130 b of theslot 126 and pulls (or swipes) the card in the direction ofarrow 132, ascanning head 128 in thehousing 122 reads account information stored on the magnetic stripe of the magnetic-stripe card. Typically, the card holder swipes the card in the direction ofarrow 132 until the card exits through the firstopen end 130 a of theslot 126. -
FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional side view of a motorized reader style of magnetic-stripe card reader 140 that may be used in connection with certain embodiments of the invention. The magnetic-stripe card reader 140 includes ahousing 142 mounted to amachinery housing 156. Themachinery housing 156 is in aninterior space 158 of the transaction machine and thehousing 142 extends through anopening 162 in asurface 156 of the transaction machine such that at least a portion of thehousing 142 is in anexterior space 160 of the transaction machine. Afront face 144 of thehousing 142 includes aslot 146 that is arranged to accept a magnetic-stripe card (not shown). The card holder inserts a magnetic-stripe card into theslot 146 in the direction ofarrow 164. When the magnetic-stripe card has been inserted into theslot 146 by a certain amount,rollers 148 a,b, powered by electric motors (not shown), grab the magnetic-stripe card and pull the card into the interior of themachinery housing 156. Additional sets ofrollers 150 a,b and 152 a,b may also be placed in themachinery housing 156 to further move the magnetic-stripe card within themachinery housing 156 in the directions ofarrows 166. As the magnetic-stripe card is moved in the directions ofarrows 166, areader head 154 reads account information from the magnetic stripe of the magnetic-stripe card. When the card holder has completed a transaction therollers 148 a,b, 150 a,b, and 152 a,b return the magnetic-stripe card to the card holder through theslot 146. - Some magnetic-stripe cards also may include EMV® Integrated Circuit Cards. Accordingly, some magnetic-stripe card readers may include EMV® Integrated Circuit Card readers. EMV® is an acronym based on the names of the original organizations that created it: Europay, MasterCard®, and Visa®. EMV® uses an integrated circuit chip embedded in the card that communicates with the EMV® reader. The terms “magnetic-stripe card reader” and “card reader” used herein refer to any card reader that reads a card having a magnetic stripe (including card readers that also incorporate EMV® readers) and also any card reader that will accept a magnetic-stripe card form factor, such as, for example, an EMV®-only reader that is capable of accepting, but not reading, a magnetic-stripe card. Likewise, the term “magnetic-stripe card” used herein refers to cards with magnetic stripes and also to cards that have technology, such as, for example, an EMV® integrated circuit, in addition to a magnetic stripe.
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FIG. 2A is an exploded cross-sectional side view of anexample skimming device 202 and a magnetic-stripe card reader 204. The magnetic-stripe card reader 204 is shown as a dip reader style of magnetic-stripe card reader, but a person having ordinary skill will appreciate that the magnetic-stripe card reader 204 also could be a swipe reader or a motorized reader. The magnetic-stripe card reader 204 includes ahousing 206 on asurface 220 of a transaction machine. Thehousing 206 has aslot 208 and areader head 210 in theslot 208. Theskimming device 202 has anouter mold 212 that includes anopening 214. Areader head 216 is located on themold 212 at theopening 214. The mold includessurfaces housing 206 and of thesurface 220 of the transaction machine. The skimmer attaches theskimming device 202 by placing theskimming device mold 212 over the magnetic-stripe card reader 204 as indicated byarrows 218. The skimmer may place an adhesive onsurfaces 222 and/or 224 of theskimming device mold 212 to adhere to mating surfaces of thecard reader housing 206. -
FIG. 2B shows theskimming device 202 placed over the magnetic-stripe card reader 204. Theopening 214 in theskimming device mold 212 of theskimming device 202 aligns with theslot 208 of the magnetic-stripe card reader 204. Also, in the direction ofarrows reader head 216 of theskimming device 202 is aligned with thereader head 210 of the magnetic-stripe card reader 204. When a card holder inserts a magnetic-stripe card (not shown) into the combinedskimming device 202 and magnetic-stripe card reader 204, the card passes through theopening 214 in the skimming device and into theslot 208 of the magnetic-stripe card reader 204, and both thereader head 216 of theskimming device 202 and thereader head 210 of the magnetic-stripe card reader 204 read the account information stored on the magnetic stripe of the card. Because theskimming device 202 fits so closely over the profile of the magnetic-stripe card reader 204, the card holder likely will not notice its presence. Also, because theskimming device 202 and itsreader head 216 do not interfere with thereader head 210 of the magnetic-stripe card reader 204, the transaction machine will function normally, and the card holder is unlikely to notice that something is amiss. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of ablocking device 300 for a transaction machine, such as an ATM, gas station pump, or a POS machine. The transaction machine includes acard reader housing 304 mounted to afirst surface 302 of the transaction machine. The transaction machine includes asecond surface 303 at an angle relative to thefirst surface 302 along acommon edge 324. Thecard reader housing 304 includes afront face 306 and slot 308 for receiving a magnetic-stripe card (not shown). Theblocking device 300 includes a base portion that includes members 310 a-f. In this embodiment, members 301 a-f are made of heavy-gauge metal wire or metal rod. The metal may be any metal, such as steel or aluminum. Because some transaction machines are placed in outdoor locations that are exposed to the elements, metals that do not rust may be preferable. The members 301 a-f may be joined together by welding or they may comprise a single piece of wire or rod that is bent at the junction of two members. Members 310 a-c lie substantially in a plane parallel tosurface 302 andmembers 310 d-f lie substantially in a plane parallel to surface 303 such that when theblocking device 300 is installed on the transaction machine, the base portion substantially conforms tosurfaces - The
blocking device 300 also includes a cage portion that includes members 312 a-f, which protrude from the base, and members 314 a-g, which connect distal ends of members 312 a-f. Members 312 a-f and 314 a-g also may be made of heavy-gauge metal wire or metal rod. The cage portion includesadditional members members aperture 322 around the slot in thefront face 306 of thecard reader housing 304. Theaperture 322 provides at least sufficient space for a magnetic-stripe card to be passed therethrough for placement in theslot 308 of thecard reader housing 304. Theaperture 322 also may provide sufficient space for a card holder's hand (or a part of the hand) to fit through if necessary for the card holder to be able to insert the card into theslot 308. However, theaperture 322 is not so large as to permit a skimming device to be passed therethrough for application to thecard reader housing 304. Members 312 a-f, 314 a-g, and 316 a-b form a cage that surrounds thecard reader housing 304 and that forms a volumetric space such that a skimming device mold, such as that shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B , placed over the cage would be so large as to look out of place and draw attention to itself. - The
entire blocking device 300 may be coated in a plastic, rubber, or other material that prevents the card-holders' hands from coming in contact with sharp and/or hard metal. Such a coating also may protect the metal wire or rod material from corrosion damage. The coating also may carry a brand logo of the transaction device or the transaction device operator. The coating also could be formed in a color that matches brand colors for the transaction device or the transaction device operator. Theblocking device 300 also includes multiple mounting locations 318 a-d, shown inFIG. 3 as loops 318 a-d with holes 320 a-d therein. Screws, bolts, rivets, or other fasteners can be placed through the holes 320 a-d to secure theblocking device 300 to thesurfaces FIG. 4 shows similar mounting locations with screws 424 a-d aligned with holes 422 a-d of loops 420 a-d. The loops 318 a-d may be formed of portions of wire or metal rod, or they may be formed of washers or the like that are welded to base members 310 a-f. As used herein, the term “secure” does not necessarily mean that theblocking device 300 cannot be removed. Instead, “secure” means that the effort required by a skimmer to remove theblocking device 300 likely would draw unwanted attention to his actions. Alternatively, the mounting locations may be plates that provide a surface for applying a strong adhesive for affixing theblocking device 300 to thesurfaces surfaces machinery housing 156 shown inFIG. 1C may be damaged by holes being drilled intosurface 156 for mounting a blocking device over thecard reader housing 142. - The blocking device 30 may substantially fill an operating volume in which a card holder must be able to manipulate a magnetic-stripe card to pass it into or through a
card reader slot 308. Put another way, the card holder must be able to hold onto the card up to a distance away from thecard reader housing 304 where the card reader reads the card (in the case of dip readers and swipe readers, examples of which are described above with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B ) or where the card reader grabs the card (in the case of motorized readers, examples of which are described above with respect toFIG. 1C ). The boundaries defined by this distance away from thecard reader housing 304 form the operating volume. Certain embodiments of theblocking device 300 are sized so that a card holder may reach into the operating volume, such as, for example, throughaperture 322, to manipulate the card, but a volume added by attaching a skimming device outside of theblocking device 300 may prevent the user from manipulating the card in the operating volume, thereby preventing the user's card from being read. Certain embodiments of other blocking devices disclosed herein also may be similarly sized. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of ablocking device 400 covering acard reader 410 mounted to afirst surface 402 of a transaction machine. The blocking device includes a base portion that includes members 412 a-d. Thefirst surface 402 of the transaction machine has a curved surface as can be seen byedge 426 that is shared with asecond surface 404.Members first surface 402. Theblocking device 400 includes a cage portion like the cage portion ofFIG. 3 , including having anaperture 416 over aslot 428 in thecard reader housing 410.Members members members members - The base portion also includes extension members 418 a-d that extend away from the blocking device and include mounting locations 420 a-d at their ends, shown in
FIG. 4 as loops 420 a-d with holes 422 a-d therein. The extension members 418 a-d extend beyondedges first surface 402 and the extension members 418 a-d include bends or curves to place the mounting locations 420 a-d onto thesecond surface 404 and athird surface 406. Screws 424 a-d are placed in holes 422 a-d of the mounting locations for mounting to the transaction machine. By moving the mounting locations away from thecard reader 410 and, in the example embodiment shown inFIG. 4 , ontoseparate surfaces -
FIG. 4 shows curvedmembers curved members -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of ablocking device 500 mounted on asurface 502 of a transaction machine. Thecard reader housing 504 is shown in dashed lines. Theblocking device 500 includes a first base plate 510 a and asecond base plate 510 b. Each of the two base plates 510 a,b substantially conforms to contours at the location on thesurface 502 on which each is mounted.Plates 512 a and 512 b protrude from respective base plates 510 a,b on sides of acard reader housing 504.Plates respective plates 512 a,b in front of theface 506 of thecard reader housing 504. Theplates 514 a,b haverespective edges 518 a,b that are arranged onends 516 a,b of thecard slot 508. The space betweenedges 518 a,b comprises anaperture 520 through which a magnetic-stripe card (not shown) may pass to be placed into theslot 508 of thecard reader housing 504. Theedges 516 a,b are spaced fromrespective ends 516 a,b of the card slot such that a magnetic-stripe card may be placed into the slot. Preferably, theedges 516 a,b are sufficiently close torespective ends 516 a,b of theslot 508 so that if a skimming device were placed over the blockingdevice 500, then the portions of the skimming device covering theedges 516 a,b ofplates 514 a,b also will partially cover theends 516 a,b of theslot 508 and thereby prevent a magnetic-stripe card from being inserted into theslot 508. Base plate 510 a,plate 512 a, and plate 514 a may be made of a single piece of metal that is bent. Alternatively, base plate 510 a,plate 512 a, and plate 514 a may start as three pieces of metal that are joined together, for example, by welding. Similarly,base plate 510 b, plate 512 b, andplate 514 b may be made of a single piece of metal that is bent or may be welded together. - In
FIG. 5 ,plates 510 a and 510 b have a height HI that is greater than a height H2 of thecard reader housing 504. Alternatively, plates 510 a,b may have a height H1 that is equal to or less than a height H2 of thecard reader housing 504. -
Plates 510 a and 510 b may be securely affixed to surface 502 using an adhesive. Alternatively, plates 510 a,b may be securely affixed to surface 502 using screws, bolts, rivets, or the like. -
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of ablocking device 600 for acard reader housing 604 mounted on asurface 602 of a transaction machine. Thecard reader housing 604 is shown in dashed lines. Theblocking device 600 includes afirst base plate 610 a and asecond base plate 610 b. Each of the twobase plates 610 a,b conforms to contours at the location on thesurface 602 on which each is mounted. The transaction machine includes asecond surface 626 at an angle relative to thefirst surface 602 and sharing acommon edge 624 with thefirst surface 602. In this example embodiment, thefirst base plate 610 a terminates at anedge 627 that is aligned with theedge 624 between thefirst surface 602 and thesecond surface 626 of the transaction machine. Athird base plate 610 c is attached to thefirst base plate 610 a at theedge 626. Thethird base plate 610 c may be attached to thefirst base plate 610 a by welding, or the first andthird base plates 610 a,c may be formed from a single piece of metal that is bent atline 626. Thethird base plate 610 c is at an angle relative to thefirst plate 610 a that is substantially equal to the relative angle between first andsecond surfaces base plates 610 a,c are installed onsurfaces base plates 610 a,c conform to therespective surfaces Plates respective base plates 610 a,b on sides of acard reader housing 604.Plates respective plates 612 a,b in front of theface 606 of thecard reader housing 604. Theplates 614 a,b haverespective edges 618 a,b that are arranged onends 616 a,b of thecard slot 608. The space betweenedges 618 a,b is an aperture through which a magnetic-stripe card (not shown) may pass to be placed into theslot 608 of thecard reader housing 604. Theedges 616 a,b are spaced fromrespective ends 616 a,b of the card slot such that a magnetic-stripe card may be placed into the slot. Preferably, theedges 616 a,b are sufficiently close torespective ends 616 a,b of theslot 608 so that if a skimming device were placed over the blockingdevice 600, then the portions of the skimming device covering theedges 616 a,b ofplates 614 a,b also will partially cover theends 616 a,b of theslot 608 and thereby prevent a magnetic-stripe card from being inserted into theslot 608.Plates 620 a,b and 622 a,b also extend from ends ofrespective plates 612 a,b.Plates 620 a,b are positioned on the end ofrespective plates 612 a,b such that they are above thecard reader housing 604 and are angled relative torespective plates 612 a,b. The angle of theplates 620 a,b relative torespective plates 612 a,b results in theplates 620 a,b crossing over the top of thecard reader housing 604 in the direction of thesurface 602. Likewise,plates 622 a,b are positioned on the end ofrespective plates 612 a,b such that they are below thecard reader housing 604 and are angled relative torespective plates 612 a,b such that theplates 622 a,b cross over the bottom of thecard reader housing 604 in the direction of thesurface 602.Base plate 610 a,plate 612 a,plate FIG. 6A . Alternatively,base plate 610 a,plate 612 a,plate base plate 610 b,plate 612 b,plate 614 b,plate - The geometry of the
blocking device 600 in this embodiment provides no view (as shown byFIGS. 6A-6D ) in which at least a portion of thecard reader housing 604 is not blocked by a portion of theblocking device 600.FIGS. 6B , 6C, and 6D show top, front, and left side views, respectively, of the embodiment of ablocking device 600 shown inFIG. 6A .FIG. 68 shows plates 620 a,b above thecard reader housing 604 withplates 612 a,b on sides of thecard reader housing 604 andplates 618 a,b in front of thecard reader housing 604.Plates 622 a,b are not shown inFIG. 6B but are beneath thecard reader housing 604.Plates 622 a,b may be of similar length and at a similar angle relative to thecard reader housing 604 asplates 620 a,b or they may be of different length and angle.Plates 620 a,b partially block a view of thecard reader housing 604 from above andplates 622 a,b partially block a view of thecard reader housing 604 from below.FIG. 6C showsplates 614 a,b on sides of thecard reader housing 604 and partially covering thefront face 606 of thecard reader housing 604. Theedges 618 a,b ofrespective plates 614 a,b are close to ends 616 a,b of thecard slot 608 in the card reader.FIG. 6C also showsplates 620 a,b above thecard reader housing 604 andplates 622 a,b below thecard reader housing 604.Plates 614 a,b partially block a view of thecard reader housing 604 from the front.FIG. 6D shows a left side view of theblocking device 600 and showsplate 612 a extending frombase plate 610 a away fromsurface 602 and extending past thefront face 606 of thecard reader housing 604. Plate 612 a also extends above the top of thecard reader housing 604 and below the bottom of thecard reader housing 604. Plate 612 a at least partially blocks a view ofcard reader housing 604 from the right. It is apparent from the drawings thatplate 612 b at least partially blocks a view of thecard reader housing 604 from the left. Because there is no view in which theblocking device 600 does not at least partially block thecard reader housing 604, it is very difficult for a skimmer to place a skimming device mold between thecard reader housing 604 and theblocking device 600. Any mold that could be placed between thecard reader housing 604 and theblocking device 600 likely would require multiple pieces that would be assembled on the card reader housing and/or would look out of place on the card reader. -
Plates plates 610 a,b may be securely affixed to surface 602 using screws, bolts, rivets, or the like. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of ablocking device 700 for a swipe reader style ofcard reader housing 704 on asurface 702 of a transaction machine. Thecard reader housing 704 is shown in dashed lines. Thecard reader housing 704 includes aslot 708 withopen ends 716 a,b. As described above with respect toFIG. 1B , a magnetic-stripe card is slid through the slot from a firstopen end 716 a to a secondopen end 716 b to be read. Theblocking device 700 includesbase plates 710 a,b andplates 712 a,b protruding fromrespective base plates 710 a,b.Plates 714 a and 714 b extend from ends ofrespective plates 712 a,b in front of theface 706 of thecard reader housing 704. The plates 714 a,b haverespective edges 718 a,b that are arranged onsides 724 a,b of thecard slot 708. The space betweenedges 718 a,b is an aperture through which a magnetic-stripe card (not shown) may slide in theslot 708 of thecard reader housing 704. Theedges 716 a,b are spaced fromrespective sides 724 a,b of the card slot such that a magnetic-stripe card may be placed into the slot. Preferably, the edges 716 sufficiently close torespective ends 724 a,b of theslot 708 so that if a skimming device were placed over the blockingdevice 700, then the portions of the skimming device covering theedges 716 a,b of plates 714 a,b also will partially cover thesides 724 a,b of theslot 708 and thereby prevent a magnetic-stripe card from being inserted into theslot 708.Plates 720 a,b and 722 a,b also extend from ends ofrespective plates 712 a,b.Plates 720 a,b are positioned on the end ofrespective plates 712 a,b such that they are at ends of thecard reader housing 704 and are angled relative torespective plates 712 a,b. The angle of theplates 720 a,b relative torespective plates 712 a,b results in theplates 720 a,b crossing over an end of thecard reader housing 704 in the direction of thesurface 702. Likewise, plates 722 a,b are positioned on the end ofrespective plates 712 a,b such that they are on an opposite end of thecard reader housing 704 and are angled relative torespective plates 712 a,b such that the plates 722 a,b cross over the side of thecard reader housing 704 in the direction of thesurface 702.Base plate 710 a,plate 712 a,plate 714 a, 720 a, and 722 a may be made of a single piece of metal that is bent (and cut) to form the shape depicted inFIG. 7 . Alternatively,base plate 710 a,plate 712 a,plate plate 712 b,plate 714 b,plate -
Plates plates 710 a,b may be securely affixed to surface 702 using screws, bolts, rivets, or the like. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of anotherblocking device 800 for acard reader housing 808 that is placed at an intersection of threesurfaces card reader housing 808 is shown in dashed lines. Theblocking device 800 includes abase plate 812 and aplate 814 extending from thebase plate 812 along an exposed side of thecard reader housing 808 opposite one of the walls (in the example shown inFIG. 8 , opposite wall 806). Theplate 814 extends beyond thefront face 818 and thetop face 820 of thecard reader housing 808. Theplate 814 optionally also includesangled portions 816 a,b at corners. Theplate 814, by itself, enlarges the dimensions that a skimming mold must accommodate to discretely cover thecard reader housing 808. If a skimming device were to be placed over the blocking device, the volumetric space of the combined blocking device and skimming device may make it difficult or impossible for a card holder to insert a magnetic-stripe card (not shown) into thecard slot 810 in thehousing 808. Theangled portions 816 a,b further alter dimensions that the skimming mold must accommodate. Furthermore, theangled portions 816 a,b may make it difficult or impossible for a skimmer to discretely attach a skimming mold over thecard reader housing 808. Without theangled portions 816 a,b, a skimmer may attempt to adhere a skimming mold to the outer face of plate 814 (the visible face inFIG. 8 ) because the large flat surface provides for good adhesion. However, theangled portions 816 a,b act to hold a skimming mold away from the flat surface ofplate 814 unless the skimming mold were to include bulges, humps, or other protrusions to accommodate theangled portions 816 a,b. Thus, a skimmer would be faced with a choice of either using a skimming mold that does not adhere very well or to using a skimming mold with unusual-looking bulges or humps that draw unwanted attention to the skimming device. -
FIG. 9A is a perspective view of anotherblocking device 900 for acard reader housing 930 that is placed at an intersection of threesurfaces blocking device 900 includes abase plate 912 mounted to surface 904. Aplate 914 extends from thebase plate 812 along an exposed side of thecard reader housing 930 opposite one of the walls (in the example shown inFIG. 9 , opposite wall 906). Theplate 914 extends beyond thefront face 928 and thetop face 926 of thecard reader housing 930. Athird plate 916 extends fromplate 914 and extends in front of thefront face 928 of thecard reader housing 930. Theplate 916 optionally also includesbent portions 922 a,b at corners. Theblocking device 900 also includes asecond base plate 918 mounted to surface 906, and aplate 920 attached to thesecond base plate 918 that extends in front of thefront face 928 of thecard reader housing 930. Theplate 920 optionally includesbent portions 924 a,b. Theplates card reader housing 930 and the blocking device. These increased dimensions may make it difficult or impossible for a card holder to insert a magnetic-stripe card (not shown) into thecard slot 910 in the housing. Thebent portions 922 a,b and 924 a,b bend towards thecard reader housing 930 and provide no view of thecard reader housing 930 that is not blocked by a portion of theblocking device 900. - If the
card reader housing 930 is not located at a corner of three surfaces, e.g., ifsurface 906 is absent from its shown location andsurface 904 continues to the right ofFIG. 9A , then theblocking device 900 may include a second side that is similar or identical tobase plate 912,plates bent portions 922 a,b. -
FIG. 9B shows a top view an alternative embodiment ofbase plate 912 in which a free end of thebase plate 912 includes acurl 932 away fromsurface 904. Thecurl 932 adds additional dimensions over which a skimming device must cover, again making it more difficult for a skimming device to be discretely placed on thecard reader housing 930. Also, thecurl 932 at least partially eliminates thebase plate 912 as a flat surface to which a skimming device may be adhered, making it less likely that a skimming device can be securely adhered to thecard reader housing 930 and theblocker 900. Although only shown inFIG. 9B , a person having ordinary skill understands that thecurl 932 may be added to any of the free ends of base plates shown in any of the figures of this application. - It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are not limited in application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. The illustrative embodiments may be implemented or incorporated in other embodiments, variations and modifications, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. For example, the blocking devices disclosed above are illustrative only and not meant to limit the scope or application thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have been chosen for the purpose of describing the illustrative embodiments for the convenience of the reader and are not to limit the scope thereof.
- Certain exemplary embodiments have been described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the various embodiments is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.
- Although various embodiments have been described herein, many modifications and variations to those embodiments may be implemented. For example, different types of end effectors may be employed. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.
Claims (7)
1. A blocking device for a magnetic-stripe card reader, wherein at least a portion of the magnetic-stripe card reader is arranged on a surface of a housing, the blocking device comprising:
a first portion configured to be arranged on a first side of the portion of the magnetic-stripe card reader and configured to be attached to a surface of the housing;
a second portion configured to be arranged on a second side of the portion of the magnetic-stripe card reader and configured to be attached to a surface of the housing; and
an aperture through which a magnetic-stripe card can be passed for reading by the magnetic-stripe card reader.
2. The blocking device of claim 1 , wherein the surface of the housing to which the first portion of the blocking device is attached is different than the surface of the housing to which the second portion of the blocking device is attached.
3. The blocking device of claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive on the first portion of the blocker configured to securely affix the first portion of the blocker to the surface of the housing and an adhesive on the second portion of the blocker configured to securely affix the second portion of the blocker to the surface of the housing.
4. The blocking device of claim 1 , further comprising a fastener on the first portion of the blocker configured to securely affix the first portion of the blocker to the surface of the housing and a fastener on the second portion of the blocker configured to securely affix the second portion of the blocker to the surface of the housing.
5. The blocking device of claim 4 , wherein the fasteners comprise at least one of a screw, a bolt, or a rivet.
6. A magnetic-stripe card reader, comprising:
a housing;
a magnetic-stripe card reader, wherein at least a portion of the magnetic-stripe card reader is arranged on a surface of the housing; and
a blocker surrounding the portion of the magnetic-stripe card reader, wherein the blocker is attached to the surface of the housing, and wherein the blocker comprises an aperture through which a magnetic-stripe card can pass for reading by the magnetic-stripe card reader.
7. A method for improving security of a magnetic-stripe card reader, the method comprising:
providing a blocking device, wherein the blocking device comprises an aperture through which a magnetic-stripe card can pass;
arranging the blocking device over a magnetic-stripe card reader such that the aperture is aligned with a card reading slot of the magnetic-stripe card reader to enable a magnetic-stripe card to be read by the magnetic-stripe card reader; and
affixing the blocking device to a surface surrounding the magnetic-stripe card reader.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/543,324 US20130037614A1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2012-07-06 | Blocking device for a magnetic-stripe card reader |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161521255P | 2011-08-08 | 2011-08-08 | |
US13/285,411 US8240566B1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2011-10-31 | Blocking device for a magnetic-stripe card reader |
US13/543,324 US20130037614A1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2012-07-06 | Blocking device for a magnetic-stripe card reader |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/285,411 Continuation US8240566B1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2011-10-31 | Blocking device for a magnetic-stripe card reader |
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US20130037614A1 true US20130037614A1 (en) | 2013-02-14 |
Family
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US13/285,411 Expired - Fee Related US8240566B1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2011-10-31 | Blocking device for a magnetic-stripe card reader |
US13/543,324 Abandoned US20130037614A1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2012-07-06 | Blocking device for a magnetic-stripe card reader |
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US13/285,411 Expired - Fee Related US8240566B1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2011-10-31 | Blocking device for a magnetic-stripe card reader |
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US (2) | US8240566B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013022536A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
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US8622297B1 (en) * | 2012-05-14 | 2014-01-07 | Citigroup Technology, Inc. | Card reader anti-skimming assembly and method |
US20170278360A1 (en) * | 2016-03-23 | 2017-09-28 | Phillips 66 Company | Skimmer blocker |
US20190340395A1 (en) * | 2018-05-07 | 2019-11-07 | Hitachi-Omron Terminal Solutions, Corp. | Card reader device |
CN114999072A (en) * | 2017-02-27 | 2022-09-02 | Ncr公司 | Combined shutter and user interface PIN entry |
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US9818049B2 (en) * | 2011-12-08 | 2017-11-14 | Tmd Holding B.V. | Anti skimming and anti shimming card feed unit, kernel element, read out unit, transaction machine and method |
US20170249808A1 (en) * | 2016-02-27 | 2017-08-31 | Raymond Markase | Anti-skimming Device |
US10963876B2 (en) * | 2017-05-04 | 2021-03-30 | Se-Kure Controls, Inc. | Security system for EPOS terminal |
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US6176426B1 (en) * | 1997-01-10 | 2001-01-23 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Card reader and method of installing a card reader |
US20100205991A1 (en) * | 2009-02-16 | 2010-08-19 | Peter Ernst | Merchandise display case |
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US20050116035A1 (en) * | 2003-10-02 | 2005-06-02 | Preh-Werke Gmbh & Co. Kg | Card reader |
NZ550966A (en) * | 2004-05-05 | 2010-04-30 | Utc Fire & Security Corp | Anti-skimming card reader surface configuration |
US20070040023A1 (en) * | 2005-08-22 | 2007-02-22 | Aj Ruggirello | Method and apparatus for protecting self service terminals from fraud and tampering |
US7896228B1 (en) * | 2007-01-11 | 2011-03-01 | Diebold Self-Service Systems | Cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method |
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2011
- 2011-10-31 US US13/285,411 patent/US8240566B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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- 2012-07-06 WO PCT/US2012/045752 patent/WO2013022536A1/en active Application Filing
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US6176426B1 (en) * | 1997-01-10 | 2001-01-23 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Card reader and method of installing a card reader |
US20100205991A1 (en) * | 2009-02-16 | 2010-08-19 | Peter Ernst | Merchandise display case |
Cited By (6)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US8622297B1 (en) * | 2012-05-14 | 2014-01-07 | Citigroup Technology, Inc. | Card reader anti-skimming assembly and method |
US20170278360A1 (en) * | 2016-03-23 | 2017-09-28 | Phillips 66 Company | Skimmer blocker |
US10553082B2 (en) * | 2016-03-23 | 2020-02-04 | Phillips 66 Company | Skimmer blocker |
CN114999072A (en) * | 2017-02-27 | 2022-09-02 | Ncr公司 | Combined shutter and user interface PIN entry |
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US20190340395A1 (en) * | 2018-05-07 | 2019-11-07 | Hitachi-Omron Terminal Solutions, Corp. | Card reader device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US8240566B1 (en) | 2012-08-14 |
WO2013022536A1 (en) | 2013-02-14 |
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