Be Warned Of This ATM Theft Technique
Thieves have devised a creative way of getting
your ATM and PIN without you suspecting anything and in turn draining your bank
account. Fina Bank have released the detailed procedure of how this new
theft technique is being carried out.
Image sourced from Fina Bank
What he really is doing is placing a trap in
the ATM machine to “capture” the next user’s card:
Image sourced from Fina Bank
Altering the ATM’s is a risky business.
Therefore, these individuals work in teams. The lookout warns of any
possible eye witnesses or of the next potential victim:
Image sourced from: Fina Bank
Here we see the next client using the ATM,
after the trap has been set. He inserts his card and begins his
transaction.
Image sourced from: Fina Bank
The ATM card is confiscated, and the customer
is confused, asking himself why the card has been confiscated.
Image sourced from Fina Bank
Here we see the thief pretending to help. What
he is really doing is trying to gain the customers’ PIN, now that he has
captured his card.
Image sourced from: Fina Bank
The good Samaritan convinces the customer that
he can retrieve the card, if he presses his PIN. At the same time, the
Samaritan presses “Cancel” and “Enter”.
After several attempts, the customer is
convinced his card has been confiscated. The customer and the “Samaritan” leave
the ATM .
Image sourced from Fina Bank
Satisfied the area is clear, the thief returns
to recover the confiscated card from his trap. He not only has the card,
he also has the PIN the customer provided unknowingly.
Image sourced from: Fina Bank
In possession of the card and the PIN, he
leaves the ATM with money from the customers’ account.
Image sourced from: Fina Bank
The trap is made up of XRAY film, which is the
preferred material used by thieves. Simply because of the black color
which is similar in appearance to the slot on the card reader.
Image sourced from: Fina Bank
The trap is then inserted into the ATM slot.
Care is taken not to insert the entire film into the slot. The ends are
folded and contain glue strips for better adhesion to the inner and outer
surface of the slots.
Image sourced from: Fina Bank
Once the ends are firmly glued and fixed to
the slot, it is almost impossible to detect by unsuspecting customers.
Image sourced from: Fina Bank
1. Once your card has been confiscated,
observe the ATM slot and the card reader for any signs of tampering. Should you
see the film tips glued to the slot, unglue, pull the trap out and recover your
card.
2. Report IMMEDIATELY to the Bank.
Image sourced from: Fina Bank
· When entering your PIN at the ATM, always
cover the numbers with your hand.
· Avoid writing your PIN on your wallet. Someone
might steal it. It is always advisable to memorize your PIN.
· Do not give out your PIN, card number or account
number to anyone.
· Only enter your PIN when prompted to do so by
the ATM.
· If the machine swallows your card, do not
leave the ATM site without notifying your bank.
· Never accept help from a stranger; and in case
of any difficulties, call your bank
·
It is important to
note that identity thieves have been using discarded ATM receipts to get bank
account numbers of unsuspecting consumers. Always exercise caution when
discarding your ATM receipts. e.g., instead of folding the receipt and throwing
it in the provided bin, destroy it first.
In addition to this,
thieves sometimes stand close behind an ATM user to get their ATM card PIN, and
are also adopting more sophisticated techniques such as electronic devices
(skimmers) to record your ATM card information. This device is attached to an
ATM card and it records all information and PIN code which is then used to make
quick withdrawals.
Take time to notice if
the ATM machine looks different. Sometimes the card slot may have a foreign
looking device attached to it.
Be your brother’s
keeper and share this information with others.
60 % of 
Marketers cannot ignore this set of group that
has in the past been dismissed as cash strapped and instead corporates have
targeted the older and moneyed generation in their marketing campaigns.
