Just like any computer devise, ATM have vulnerabilities. Thus, they are open to being hacked. The majority of ATM frauds involve a level of physically manipulating parts of the machine or introducing devises.
Scams can include:
- Skimming:
this normally involves the installation of a card reader device (skimmer) and a keypad overlay or pin hole camera which are placed over the card slot and key pad respectively. The purpose of the second reader is to copy data from the card’s magnetic stripe and PIN – which will then be used to forge a card.
- Shimming:
A shimming devise is inserted in the ATM’s card slot – between the card and the ATM chip reader. The devise records data from the card chip whilst this is being read by the ATM machine. The stolen data is then converted to a magnatic stripe which is then used to create a fake version.
- Card trapping:
The objective here is to physically capture the card whilst in the ATM machine. This is achieved by introducing a devise that prevents the card from being ejected once your transaction is completed. Your PIN number is stolen either by should surfing or through the use of a small hidden camera similar to that used in skimming.
- Cash trapping:
This is like card trapping, but in this case the target is your cash. This normally achieved by the placement of a fake cash dispenser in front of the real one.
How do you know whether an ATM machine has been tampered? Here are some tips:
- Tug on the card reader and cash dispenser to make sure that there are no extra devices attached.
- Look for false fronts – such as overcard and money slots, keypad, or worse, the entire ATM machine.
- Look for tiny holes where cameras could be watching.
- Look for mismatched key colours.
- Look at whether the green flashing light below or above the card slot is blocked by a false device.
- Check whether the bank’s signage is correctly spelt.
- If the ATM didnot give you the cash stay beside the machine and call you bank’s Call Centre and immediately terminate your card.
- If the ATM did not give you the cash and you cannot, for some reason, get through to your bank’s Call Centre record the exact date, time and aTM location and take a number of photos.
o If you are using a stand alone ATM at a store or shopping centre alert an employee at once.
In using an ATM minimise the likelihood of being scammed by following these tips:
- Think about your personal safety when using an ATM.
- When you are by yourself, avoid using an ATM in out-of-the-way or deserted areas.
- Be aware of your surroundings when withdrawing funds.
- If a suspicious person offers to help you use the ATM, refuse and leave.
- When typing in your PIN, cover the keypad so others cannot see.
- After completing your transaction, remember to remove your card, cash and any printed documents such as receipts or statements.
- Put your money and ATM card away before you leave the ATM. Always avoid showing your cash.
- Always verify that the amount you withdrew or deposited matches the amount printed on your receipt.
- Take your receipts with you so potential criminals will not know how much you withdrew and use this to guess how much money is in your account.
- When using a drive-up ATM, keep your car doors locked and your engine running.
- Do not allow yourself to be rushed by an impatient person who is waiting for his or her turn at the ATM.