Payment security specialist Verifone has been awarded a U.S. patent for a new method that enables payment terminals to independently identify physical interference, including sophisticated card-skimming devices that remain hidden from ordinary observation. Industry estimates place the annual cost of card skimming to U.S. consumers and financial institutions near $1 billion, with recent data indicating a continued rise in incidents. Because many contemporary payment terminals already incorporate radio functionality, the capability can be activated through software updates alone. While Wireless Tamper Detection addresses the hardware layer, Verifone is simultaneously urging merchants to maintain current software versions on their devices. It represents a practical advancement for operators of unattended payment systems seeking to reduce exposure to skimming without adding operational complexity.