The allure of easy money has always been an enticement for thieves, especially at the ATM. The latest form of ATM theft is called card skimming — or the collection of ATM card numbers and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) for the purpose of stealing money.

Here's how it works: Thieves install a phony card reader on top of an existing ATM. This bogus card slot scans information from the ATM card's magnetic strip. Nearby, a tiny hidden camera inside a brochure holder films the keypad and screen, recording the user's PIN. The stolen information is sent via a wireless transmitter to a laptop computer a block or two away. Thieves use the stolen information to manufacture counterfeit ATM cards, then use the card (and the PIN) to withdraw money from accounts.

Scams like this are rare, and are found primarily in high-volume, big city ATMs. But they do happen. The best defense is to remain cautious and vigilant when using your ATM card. Experts recommend sticking with the same ATMs as much as possible, so you will quickly recognize if something is different. Be wary of any changes you see on the front of an ATM. And if something looks out of the ordinary, walk inside the financial institution and ask questions or go to another ATM.