New cash machine camera scam to avoid
Police highlight clever tech scammers now using to rob you at the ATM.
Warnings have been raised about the clever tech that scammers are employing to steal from you at cash machines, after British Transport Police discovered devices fitted to an ATM at Manchester Piccadilly Station.
At first glance, nothing appears out of the ordinary. It looks just like any cash machine. However, the scammers have already adapted it in such a way that they could empty your bank account.
Here’s how the scam works.
The camera
The first part of the scam is the camera, hidden behind the grey panel above the keypad in the picture below.
Photo credit: British Transport Police
This camera records you entering your PIN. It’s absolutely tiny too, so small that very few people would spot it, as the picture below highlights.
Photo credit: British Transport Police
The card slot
The second part of the scam is a fake card slot which is placed over the real one. It copies the details of your card, giving the scammers both your card details and your PIN, allowing them to wreak havoc on your finances.
Photo credit: British Transport Police
The device was spotted on 7 November, and the police have now warned people to be vigilant as there are likely to be more in use.
Keeping safe at the cash machine
It’s a good idea to stick to ATMs in busy, well-lit areas. Have a look around you. Don’t use the machine if people are loitering around nearby.
Before you stick your card into the machine, check it over carefully. Are there are signs that it has been vandalised or changed in any way? Does anything appear to have been added on? If you are at all nervous about the ATM, simply walk away. And if you realise the machine has been tampered with after you've inserted your card, call your bank while standing at the cash machine, so long as it is safe to do so.
When you enter your PIN, shield it with your hand so that anyone standing nearby cannot see it. This may also block a camera from being able to see what you enter too.
If you do find out your card details have been copied then contact your bank or building society immediately.
More scams to avoid:
How to avoid falling for fake ticket frauds
Worst Christmas shopping scams
Don't fall for this supermarket voucher scam
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Comments
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I am sorry to tell you that you are wrong Nessie. There is a scam involving cashback, actually using your card in a supermarket via a dodgy cashier. You line up to pay for your goods, unknown to you, the cashiers friend queues behind you. You pay for your goods, the cashier asks you if you want any cash back you sayyes or no. She gives you your receipt and leaves the transaction open and debits say £100 from your card but leaves the money in the till the friend then has her shopping scanned pays for it and the cashier then asks her if she wants cash back, she says yes and the cashier hands her your cash from the till. No evidence on the crooked cashier and the friend has gone with your cash they split the cash away from the store later. Then you try to prove that you did not have any cash back. I never use debit cards in any store or online I only use credit cards. If there is a problem I wont pay the bill until it is sorted.
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@Stickofrock, you're not being silly at all but, if memory serves me correctly, these 'add-ons' take seconds to attach with just firm adhesive strips, etc.
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I reckon the banks do not really care about you losing money. They will blame you for giving out your pin and this will deter many form progressing a claim. They will stonewall you as long as possible anyway. As others have said use cash back is really good and of course not using cash at all . I loathe cash as it is not traceable like other payments so my accounts are less accurate if I use cash very often.
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06 December 2015