IS IDENTITY THEFT USING SKIMMERS A SERIOUS THREAT OR A MINOR INCONVENIENCE?

The purpose of this article is to attempt to answer the question of whether skimmers and identify theft are a serious threat or a minor inconvenience. The issue under consideration is whether skimming can be construed to be a victimless crime or a crime where the damages are insufficient for police departments to take seriously. The essay describes the author’s experience when his ATM car was skimmed and his identity was stolen. The paper proceeds to discuss some of the technical aspects of skimming and provide a brief history of the technology. The issue is stated, followed by examining the structural characteristics, the psychosocial qualities, technological procedures, mitigation issues, and societal goals and objectives in preventing the crime from occurring. Several alternatives are presented, where it is argued that society currently has sufficient safeguards in place, making additional precautions unnecessary. The article concludes by highlights some of the consequences of combating skimming.