ATM ID Theft: How Can You Prevent It?
ATM machines hold some of our most critical money information, including our bank account number, PIN number and other identification. As such, ATMs make it easy for us to perform bank transactions. Unfortunately, they also make it easy for crooks to steal your identification–and strip your wallet. Here are some of the top ATM theft procedures and what steps you can take to help prevent becoming a victim.
Withholding
With this common trick, the thief places a capture strip, called a “loop,” inside the card insertion slot. The thief may stand behind you to watch you enter your PIN number, or a camera may have previously been installed to get this information (see “Phony Machine Parts and Camera Insertions,” below). The loop captures your card…and you invariably leave the machine to report the problem to a bank employee. While you’re absent, the thief removes your card.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Keep in mind that fewer crooks will attempt this procedure if there is a bank camera present that may identify them later (though this in itself is no guarantee). Make sure you only do your ATM banking at a location that has a highly visible camera. Another good location for theft prevention is an ATM machine that is inside a bank; these are often passed up on by would-be thieves.
Skimming
A device, called a “card cleaner,” is connected to the ATM machine in order to collect data from your card. Card cleaners may be difficult to detect if you’re unfamiliar with this type of scam. One card cleaner can hold information from dozens or even hundreds of cards at a time.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Card cleaners might be placed on various parts of the ATM machine, including on the side or by the “Insert Card Here” slot. Obviously, most card cleaner devices are made to look like a legitimate part of the machine, so they can be difficult to spot. Your best line of defense is to do your banking at only one specific machine. This way you will become familiar with that machine and will be better able to detect whether something is different about it.
Another simple skimming detection method is to run your pinky finger along the slot before inserting your card. If anything sticks out or moves slightly, go inside and report that there may be something wrong with the machine. Card cleaners/skimmers may be detectable by touch.
Phony Machine Parts and Camera Insertions
Cameras, which record as you enter your PIN, are a common ATM theft device; these are usually installed in an unobtrusive place, such as at the side of the envelope holder. Cameras are typically used by ATM identity thieves in conjunction with other methods, such as withholding or skimming.
Some ATM criminals get truly creative, attaching false cash catchers or other parts to the machine. When your card is then irretrievable or your cash doesn’t seem to come down, you will undoubtedly go inside to report that the machine is faulty. While you’re inside the bank, the criminal easily removes the false part…plus your card and cash.
In a true story, one individual actually made his own false ATM machine in order to see whether such a scam would work. It did. (Read his story to see how he did it and to get more tips on keeping your bank account safe from ATM scammers.)
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Our advice here is the same as above: Know the machine you typically bank at. Even professional quality add-on parts will generally jut out farther than the standard machine part, and it can be tough for even the most artistic ATM criminal to match colors and textures perfectly. Of course, a brand-new machine that pops up out of nowhere should be cause for suspicion. Again, being familiar with your own machine is your best bet.
Last of all, keep an eye on your bank account. Checking approximately twice a month for suspicious withdrawals is a good idea. Small thefts may be followed by a major wipeout of your account. The more informed you are, the better your chances for waylaying criminal ATM activity.
March 27th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
[...] computer-operated machines, ATMs have not been immune. Familiar ways to steal information from ATM cards include withholding and skimming, both of which involve the placement of mechanisms on the machine [...]
September 10th, 2009 at 4:49 am
I want to know that if any relatives of ours finds to see the atm code. Can I know that who has done this?
Are there cameras inside the atm?
Did I have the authority of getting the clippings of the atm camera?