Skimming is best described as

Skimming is best described as

• A. A small device is used to copy credit card information from the magnetic strip during a legitimate transaction
• B. A small device is used to copy credit card information from the magnetic strip in an otherwise legitimate transaction
• C. A device that captures card numbers through online payment forms
• D. A method of intercepting card deliveries after purchase

Answer: (B)

Skimming is the theft of card data by copying information from the magnetic stripe during a real, legitimate purchase. A small device—hidden on or in a card reader—records the data as the card is swiped, and that data can then be used to clone the card or make unauthorized purchases. The idea is that the transaction itself is normal, but the data is captured covertly in that moment. That’s why the description that a small device copies magnetic stripe data during an otherwise legitimate transaction best fits skimming. The other options describe different fraud methods—online form capture or intercepting card deliveries—which are not about copying data from a magnetic stripe during a legitimate in-person sale.