Skimming the latest way of stealing credit card information

It's the latest in thing in high-tech pickpocketing.

Thieves are now stealing credit or debit card information when cardholders swipe, using
barely detectable devices.

The new technique is called skimming. It accounts for 80 percent of the estimated $1 billion lost in a-t-m fraud every year.

"It used to be the skimming device was large. Now it fits in your pocket, it could be on your belt, it could be along side of the cash register," said Stuart Tryon, a deputy special agent in charge with the U.S. Secret Service.

Richard Norris said his stop for fast food led to a quick theft. "I would have never pointed my finger at the drive-thru because you're sitting right there. You're watching them use your card," he said.

"They actually were able to catch the individual sliding the card and then grabbing the receipt, and then hand it to me all in one nice movement." he said. "You'd never know that he was doing anything wrong."

It's not just restaurants. One man set up a skimmer at a New Jersey bank ATM.

When authorities in Arizona found a skimmer in a Phoenix gas station pump, they set up a sting by removing the skimmer and replacing it with a hidden camera.

Being a little extra vigilant is worth it, authorities said. "Make sure what you believe is in front of you is actually an ATM or gas pump device of some sort. Pull on it, tug on it, look for things that are out of the norm ," said Tryon.

So how can consumers keep their information safe? Some tips:

When buying gas, choose a pump near the attendant or pay inside.

Look closely for anything unusual when swiping your card.

Check your account frequently.