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Friday, July 6, 2012

THEFT IN ATMS- WE TELL YOU AND SHOW YOU HOW THEY DO IT:


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

Below are a couple of guidelines from Kaa Chonjo with your PIN, an initiative by the Kenya Bankers Association  that raises awareness about how best to use ATMs and safeguard your PIN.

·         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.

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