For example, the ATM next to the cashier at a gas station will probably be more secure than an ATM on the street where scammers can quickly install a skimmer during the night when nobody is outside. Visit a High-Traffic ATM To Avoid ATM ScamsĪTM scams are more likely to take place at ATMs that see little traffic or aren't under constant supervision. This scam requires more work and planning, but it can be just as effective. The grabber records your card information and the "good samaritan" memorizes the pin number you typed in. Since your card is stuck and you might be from out-of-town, they might be willing to help you get your card back by encouraging you to type in your pin a couple more times. The thief might appear as an innocent bystander waiting behind you in line to use the ATM machine after you finish. Instead of putting a duplicate card reader on the machine, card thieves place a "grabber" that won't release your card until you type in the correct pin number. Be Wary of StrangersĪlthough this scam is virtually obsolete because wireless cameras are so small, this scam can still happen. If you find a hole, it's most likely going to be a camera that's angled to see which buttons you will push on the ATM keypad. If you do see a box or something that isn't usually on the ATMs you use elsewhere, run your fingers along the box corners to look for a small hole. The box might be metal, plastic, or even disguised as a case holding deposit envelopes or brochures. All the wiring and other computer components are housed inside the frame to provide the smooth, flat surface. ATM cases usually have a solid, flat surface with only buttons and the card reader protruding from the shell. Look above the screen and to the sides of the screen or touchpad for any unusual boxes that could be in view of the ATM keypad. Now that wireless cameras are so small, they can be hidden almost anywhere and you won't notice when you're not looking for them.
Thieves don't even have to break into the machine to steal your PIN number. The jack receptacle will either be missing or angled instead of stick straight out.
Most people only looking at the card slot and various keypad buttons might not notice the visible damage until it's too late when they're getting their receipt and all the ATM machine has received all your sensitive information.Īnother tell-tale sign of tampering is when the ATM audio jack looks broken. The ATM still functions as normal, but it's recording every detail in the process. They will usually do this to the receipt slot and place a scanner inside. ATM machines aren't exactly easy to open for obvious reasons and that means the thief needs to break into the machine.
One of these scams is by placing a scanner into the receipt slot. Look For Any Visible Cracks in the Receipt SlotĪlthough card reader skimmers and duplicate keypads are the two most common ATM scams, card thieves can still use very rudimentary tactics that the casual ATM user won't notice. It's better to be safe than sorry, especially when you're traveling and can't afford to have your credit account frozen because you won't be able to get any more cash until you receive a replacement card. You might decide to cancel the transaction and use an adjacent ATM or find one a block or two from your current location. When you doubt the integrity of the keypad, immediately stop entering your pin and inspect the keyboard and ATM further.
If you typing in your pin and it feels like the keypad is going to fall off or the keys are spongy, a scammer is probably nearby recording every keystroke with a Bluetooth or wi-fi signal in real time. Thieves will place a duplicate keypad over the original keypad. After giving the card reader a good tug, the next place to look is the keypad.