Criminals use a variety of methods to target cash machines, including card skimming, when they fit a small device in the slot of the ATM or use a concealed device to capture your PIN. They may also use a technique called card trapping; when a device is fitted to the card slot to stop your card being returned to you.
Cash machines are a safe way to access your account and money, but there are steps you should take to protect yourself when using them.
Types of cash machine scams:
- Entrapment devices: Inserted into the card slot in a cash machine, these devices prevent the card from being returned to the cardholder. To capture the PIN, the criminal will use a small camera attached to the machine and directed at the PIN pad, or they will watch it being entered by the cardholder. Once the customer leaves the machine, the criminal removes the device and the card and uses it to withdraw cash.
- Skimming devices: These devices are attached to the cash machine to record the details from the magnetic strip of a card, while a miniature camera captures the PIN being entered. A fake magnetic stripe card is then produced and used with the genuine PIN to withdraw cash at machines overseas which have yet to be upgraded to Chip and PIN.
- Shoulder surfing: A technique used by criminals to obtain PINs by watching over the cardholder’s shoulder when they are using an ATM or card machine. The criminal then steals the card using distraction techniques or pickpocketing.
How to protect yourself
Always cover the keypad with your free hand whenever you use your card to avoid your PIN being seen, or to prevent it from being captured by a hidden camera.
Be aware of people who may be standing too close or trying to distract you as you use an ATM in order to steal your card details and PIN.
If you notice anything suspicious or unusual about an ATM such as signs of tampering, step away from using it and report it to the bank immediately.
Some banks will allow you to put a maximum cash machine withdrawal limit through your banking app, this can prevent criminals taking large sums from your account if your card is stolen.
If your card has been retained by a card machine, report it to your card provider immediately.
If your banking app allows, freeze your card through the app to prevent criminals making withdrawals and purchases if your card is stolen or missing.
Ensure you put your card and money away for safekeeping prior to leaving the cash machine. Destroy or shred any receipts when you dispose of them.
A-Z of scams
Take Five to Stop Fraud
Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment. Stop and think. It could protect you and your money.
STOP
Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE
Ask yourself, could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT
Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.