Actually, they don't have to use the binoculars anymore - they attach a device to the card reader called a skimmer. Very hard to see to the person using the card reader at an ATM or point of sale. But it reads the card and the strokes -
Bankrate.com - 01/21/2020 - How to spot a credit card skimmer
from the link ~
A card skimmer is a device attached to a card reader, often ATMs or gas station pumps, to “skim” information about your credit or debit card. It may contain a stealth camera that records your pin as you enter it. Or, in the case of most gas pump skimmers, it may contain a data collecting device that stores and transmits your card data to an identity thief. More high tech thieves might even 3D print a new keypad for a machine to use for recording pin numbers. Card skimmers usually blend into the original hardware of the machines they are attached to, so they can be difficult to spot.
There is some additional info at the Bankrate link on how to spot a skimmer device and some other consumer safe practices.
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