Topeka, KAN. (WIBW)--It's one of the most common types of identity thefts and falling victim is only a card swipe away. Bank officials say ATM skimming seems to be a growing trend right here in northeast Kansas.

A trip to Sonic with her daughters turned into a disappointment last week for teacher Jennifer Wineinger.

"The card was denied, so i thought, that's odd," said Wineinger.

Turns out, her card was compromised. It's a small device attached to ATMs and gas pumps that puts your information in the hands of criminals.

"I knew nothing had been physically stolen from me but that was my first thought, how did they get this? I have my card in my hand," said Wineinger.

A "slimmer" is slipped over the credit card slot and steals the impressed 16-digit number from your card. While a tiny video camera records your pin as you enter it. All this information is transmitted to a thief waiting nearby.

Wineinger's bank account showed $27 hundred spent at a jewelry store in India after using her debit card at a Topeka gas station.

"You feel a little bit unsafe, it feels intrusive."

Consumer experts said this activity is on the rise. In fact, when Wineinger returned to work at Heritage Christian School, she found two other teachers had fallen victim during that very same week.

"Honestly scared the daylights out of me."

When Theresa Couch found three different charges from three different WalMarts on her statement, totaling $15 hundred, she thought someone had hacked her Pay-Pal account.

Bob Kobbeman is the president and CEO of Capital City Bank. He said in most cases your credit card's fraud department investigates the crime.

"It's ironic that the criminal element is getting more sophisticated," said Kobbeman.

With skimming devices becoming harder to detect, Kobbeman said its up to you to protect your identity.

"Always be aware of your environment, if it doesn't look safe, move on."

"Be aware that there's nobody with a gun standing there waiting to rob us, but that there could be an electronic thief lurking right there and you just wouldn't know it," said Wineinger.

Officials said stick with ATMs and gas pumps that are well-lit and populated. Be sure to check your bank statements often. If you notice you've been compromised, notify your bank immediately.