SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – According to the FBI, card skimming costs financial institutions and consumers more than $1 billion a year, and Vermont is not immune. Scammers attach devices known as skimmers to payment machines, disguising them to look like the card reader. Gas pumps are among the most common targets because no attendant is present, making it easy for criminals to place the devices. Attorney General Charity Clark said using a credit card is a good way to protect yourself from skimmers. “Before you stick your card in, reach up there and shake it, and if it’s shaking, something is going on,” he said.