Blocking device for a magnetic-stripe card reader

Abstract

A blocking device for a magnetic-stripe or EMV® card reader, such as readers on an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), point of sale (POS) machine, or gas station pump. The blocking device securely attaches to the transaction machine such that unauthorized removal of the blocking device is difficult and likely will attract attention. The blocking device surrounds exposed portions of a magnetic-stripe card reader housing such that a skimming mold that fits over both the housing and the blocking device will stand out and be obvious to a user of the transaction machine. Also, a skimming mold fitting over the blocking device may prevent a card holder from properly inserting a magnetic-stripe card into the card reader. The difficulty of placing a skimming mold under or over the blocking device likely will deter a potential criminal skimmer from attempting to attach a skimming device in the first place.

1 . A blocking device for a magnetic-stripe card reader, wherein at least a portion of the magnetic-stripe card reader is arranged on a surface of a housing, the blocking device comprising:
 a first portion configured to be arranged on a first side of the portion of the magnetic-stripe card reader and configured to be attached to a surface of the housing;   a second portion configured to be arranged on a second side of the portion of the magnetic-stripe card reader and configured to be attached to a surface of the housing; and   an aperture through which a magnetic-stripe card can be passed for reading by the magnetic-stripe card reader.   
     
     
         2 . The blocking device of  claim 1 , wherein the surface of the housing to which the first portion of the blocking device is attached is different than the surface of the housing to which the second portion of the blocking device is attached. 
     
     
         3 . The blocking device of  claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive on the first portion of the blocker configured to securely affix the first portion of the blocker to the surface of the housing and an adhesive on the second portion of the blocker configured to securely affix the second portion of the blocker to the surface of the housing. 
     
     
         4 . The blocking device of  claim 1 , further comprising a fastener on the first portion of the blocker configured to securely affix the first portion of the blocker to the surface of the housing and a fastener on the second portion of the blocker configured to securely affix the second portion of the blocker to the surface of the housing. 
     
     
         5 . The blocking device of  claim 4 , wherein the fasteners comprise at least one of a screw, a bolt, or a rivet. 
     
     
         6 . A magnetic-stripe card reader, comprising:
 a housing;   a magnetic-stripe card reader, wherein at least a portion of the magnetic-stripe card reader is arranged on a surface of the housing; and   a blocker surrounding the portion of the magnetic-stripe card reader, wherein the blocker is attached to the surface of the housing, and wherein the blocker comprises an aperture through which a magnetic-stripe card can pass for reading by the magnetic-stripe card reader.   
     
     
         7 . A method for improving security of a magnetic-stripe card reader, the method comprising:
 providing a blocking device, wherein the blocking device comprises an aperture through which a magnetic-stripe card can pass;   arranging the blocking device over a magnetic-stripe card reader such that the aperture is aligned with a card reading slot of the magnetic-stripe card reader to enable a magnetic-stripe card to be read by the magnetic-stripe card reader; and   affixing the blocking device to a surface surrounding the magnetic-stripe card reader.