A card reader prevents a magnetic read head of the card reader from being able to read a magnetic strip of a card and forces the card reader to read card data from an embedded chip of the card instead of the magnetic strip. An electromagnetic noise interference signal is generated and is maintained within the card reader. The signal prevents a magnetic read head of the card reader and any skimmer present within the card reader from reading the magnetic strip of the card. In an embodiment, the signal is generated and maintained as long as the card reader is powered on. In an embodiment, the signal is generated when at least one sensor of the card reader detects a presence of the card proximate to a card slot of the card reader, within the card slot, or within the card reader adjacent to the magnetic read head.