21
Jan
2015
By Calvin at 11:07 GMT, 9 years ago
It seems like there’s been no improvement in the security of Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) as this excellent article in the Mail Online today seems to confirm. The fraudsters are still up to their tricks using mobile phone cameras hidden in false panels to record your PIN and card skimmers placed over the card slot to read your card.
I’ve got a whole page on this problem here – Take Care at Cashpoints – which I prepared some two years ago and it seems that nothing has changed! In fact card fraud is still on the rise at about 3% year on year.
Here’s a few tips.......
Before arriving at the ATM
- If possible, have your ATM card in your hand on approach to the machine, rather than delve into the wallet or handbag either at the machine or whilst standing in a queue to use it
- Have in mind the precise transactions you wish to conduct at the ATM to minimise your time at the machine
- Try to use ATMs that are located in busy public places and ones that are well lit after dark, although be aware that 'skimming' (see below) usually takes place during peak periods of ATM use.
- If you regularly deposit funds using an ATM maintain a supply of deposit envelopes in the car or in the office or home so that you can fill the envelope beforehand and minimise your time at the ATM
Arriving at the ATM
- Don’t use ATMs that appear visually different from the norm, especially around the card slot. Have extra things be added onto the surfaces of the ATM? (Tell or phone the bank about your suspicions immediately)
- If in the company of your partner have them stand close to you at the ATM to help block views of the keypad
- Stand outside any ‘privacy boxes’ painted on the footway until it's your turn to use the ATM
- Be aware of somebody sitting in a car near to the ATM and be very aware of the people standing behind you and off to the side that are close enough to see you input your PIN. If you are at all concerned about the people near you, walk away and come back later or use a different machine. Trust your instincts!
- During bank opening hours use the ATMs inside the bank if they have them
- If the ATM is located in an access controlled lobby, where you swipe your bank card to get in, leave it immediately if you are followed in (tailgated) by someone who has not swiped their card. Return to the ATM later or use another machine
Using the ATM
- Don’t use your mobile phone during a transaction. Be totally focused on the matter in hand
- Try not to be distracted by incidents around you. Be suspicious of people talking to you and of people trying to assist you with your transactions, no matter how friendly they appear to be
- When inputting your PIN always stand up close to the ATM and cover the keypad with your other hand to stop your PIN being seen by people and cameras
- If you are withdrawing cash, place the cash and your card into your pocket or bag immediately and walk away. Don’t stand at the ATM counting it
After using the ATM
- As you walk away from the ATM continue to be aware of the people around you. Try to avoid walking up some poorly observed and quiet backstreet or alley
- If you think you are being followed walk into a shop, a pub, a restaurant or some other busy place
- When getting into your car lock the doors
- Check your bank statements regularly and report any unusual transactions to the bank immediately
- If you think your PIN has been seen or copied change it immediately. You can do this at nearly all ATMs
News source: Mail Online: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2880896/Is-lurking-cash-machine-mobile-phone-cameras-fuelling-rise-ATM-fraud.html
Take Care at Cashpoints Full article: http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/robbery-and-theft-risk/660/taking-care-at-cashpoints/
