The Better Business Bureau (BBB) announced on Wednesday, November 3, that ATM skimming, a practice in which thieves steal information from a debit or credit card, is becoming more common. According to the organization, skimmers may be gaining almost $1 billion every year from the illegal activity.

Skimming occurs after thieves have tampered with an ATM machine in order to steal card numbers as well as a person's PIN. Typically, they use cameras to record people entering their secure PIN, or they use a device that can steal the information after it is put into the machine.

Skimmers also target other places where consumers typically swipe their cards, such as gas pumps and retail stores. New technology now allows the criminals to have the information sent wirelessly.

"Skimming devices are becoming increasingly harder to detect," said president and CEO of BBB Northwest Florida Norman Wright. "It's important to be aware of your surroundings and to monitor your accounts closely so you can quickly detect and report any fraud.ulent activity."

The organization urges consumers to cover the keypad when entering their pin number, and do avoid ATMS in remote or dimly-lit areas.

Consumers who want to avoid having their information skimmed may want to consider shopping online using a secure payment system, as this will help keep their personal data safe.