A skimmer sits on top of the slot and copies mag‑stripe data when you swipe. A shimmer is a paper‑thin circuit slid inside the slot that eavesdrops while you dip your chip. Same goal—steal credentials—just next‑gen stealth.

Michael F. Cardoza, Esq.
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U.S. Marine & Consumer Financial Protection Attorney helping victims of ID theft and Credit Reporting errors.