# What happens if my Terminal card reader is tampered with?

If your card reader detects a possible security breach, it displays a **tampered** message. The reader permanently locks itself to maintain transaction security and must be replaced.
## What causes tampering?
Terminal card readers have built-in mechanisms to detect tampering. This occurs if the reader is:
* Physically shaken or dropped
* Exposed to liquids
* Subject to attempted unauthorised access
## Smart readers
If you see on-screen messages like those shown on the BBPOS WisePOS E or Stripe Reader S700/S710, your device has detected tampering.
- Screenshot of tamper message on terminal reader
- Screenshot of tamper message on terminal reader
## Mobile readers
The following indicators signal that a mobile reader has been tampered with:
* **SDK integration**: A [TerminalException](https://stripe.dev/stripe-terminal-android/external/com.stripe.stripeterminal.external.models/-terminal-exception/index.html?query=class%20TerminalException%C2%A0constructor%28val%20errorCode:%20TerminalErrorCode,%20val%20errorMessage:%20String,%20val%20cause:%20Throwable?%20=%20null,%20val%20apiError:%20ApiError?%20=%20null%29%20:%20Exception) with [TerminalErrorCode](https://stripe.dev/stripe-terminal-android/external/com.stripe.stripeterminal.external.models/-terminal-error-code/index.html) `READER_TAMPERED`
* [Stripe Reader M2](https://docs.stripe.com/terminal/readers/stripe-m2#connectivity-and-reader-status): The first and last LEDs flash rapidly, every 0.1 seconds for 30 seconds.
* [BBPOS WisePad 3](https://docs.stripe.com/terminal/readers/bbpos-wisepad3): A tamper-detected screen error displays and the reader becomes unavailable.
## What to do next
The device can't be reactivated and must be replaced.
* If under warranty, submit a warranty claim.
* If purchased through a Connect platform, contact your platform provider.