Card skimmers are devices used by criminals to illegally capture information from credit or debit cards. These small gadgets are often placed over or inside legitimate card readers, such as those found at ATMs or gas station pumps. When a card is swiped, the skimmer records the card's data, which can then be used for fraudulent transactions. In addition to skimmers, criminals may also use hidden cameras to capture PIN numbers as users enter them. To protect against card skimming, it's important to regularly check your bank statements and use secure payment methods whenever possible.