CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - While people are out last-minute shopping for their loved ones, schemers might be trying to steal valuable information. What stores are open and closed on Christmas Eve? With holiday shopping and traveling picking up for Christmas and New Year's coming up, you must keep your guard up when you use your card. What is a credit card skimmer? Card skimmers are illegal devices installed at gas pumps, ATMs, and other locations that can steal credit and debit card information. When swiped, the skimmer scans your card information and uses Bluetooth to send card information to the thief’s computer or phone. No matter how protective you are of your credit card information, card skimming is largely unavoidable. How to detect a card skimmer Before putting your card into a reader, the FBI says, there are some easy and effective ways to protect your information. Police also warned about other, harder-to-detect skimming devices. These newer devices cannot be detected from the outside. Inspect the reader and look for any loose parts or damage. Scratches or damage to adhesive tape can also be indicators of tampering. Give the skimmer a light shake, and if it feels loose, tell an employee. Cover the keypad with one hand to block any hidden cameras. To be extra careful, pay with cash. If possible, use ATMs in a well-lit, indoor location., These may still be compromised, but are less-vulnerable targets. Always use a strong PIN. Avoid using PINs that may be easily guessed, such as strings of the same or consecutive numbers. Contact your financial institution immediately if the ATM doesn't return your card after you end or cancel a transaction. This may suggest the presence of a foreign device in the card reader. Checking card transactions regularly and setting up account alerts can also help you spot suspicious activity. If you notice something wrong, call your card issuer immediately so they can cancel the card and protect your information. Local News Headlines How to keep your pets safe from holiday hazards Musical artists coming to Massachusetts in 2025 Will liquor stores be open on Christmas Eve in Massachusetts? Enfield police K-9 catches suspect of stolen vehicle WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.